135,000 More Connecticut Customers Affected by Loss of Bank Data

Governor M. Jodi Rell recently announced that the state is demanding more information from the Bank of New York Mellon after learning that 135,000 additional Connecticut customers may be affected by the bank's security breach last February. The bank initially said 500,000 state residents were affected by the loss of a computer data tape.

"This situation, as we feared, puts tens of thousands more Connecticut residents at risk for costly identity theft," Rell said. "We remain vigilant and continue to press for answers so that our citizens have effective safeguards for their confidential information now and in the future."

At the Governor's direction, the Department of Consumer Protection issued a subpoena today to BNY Mellon for additional documentation. The subpoena requests the bank immediately provide specifics on the type of information lost on the computer tape and steps taken to protect these customers. The Department of Consumer Protection met with BNY officials today, in a meeting that also included Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Banking Commissioner Howard Pitkin.

The Connecticut consumers were among the 12.5 million people whose data was lost in February when BNY Mellon was transferring information, some on behalf of People's United Bank of Bridgeport.

The state learned in May that the names, addresses, dates of birth and Social Security numbers of some 500,000 Connecticut customers were initially affected. Last week, BNY Mellon informed state officials the breach was actually much broader and involved data of 8 million more customers, including the 135,000 from Connecticut.

"On behalf of this latest group of Connecticut customers, we want to know precisely what information was jeopardized and ensure that the same protections offered to the original group of affected residents will be afforded to the additional consumers," the governor said. "We also want assurances that the bank is taking all necessary measures to prevent this from happening again."

The subpoena requires BNY Mellon to deliver all requested documents to the Department of Consumer Protection by September 5. The most recent figures came in response to earlier DCP subpoenas that Governor Rell had ordered be issued in May.

BNY Mellon informed the state that they began the process of notifying these additional customers last week. All affected consumers should be notified within the next three weeks. Consumers with any questions may contact BNY Mellon Investor Care Response Team toll-free by calling (877) 289-0136.

Under Connecticut law, banks are required to immediately notify customers when such information is lost. The Governor has directed DCP Commissioner Jerry Farrell Jr. to insist the bank extends the same identity protection to the additional Connecticut residents. BNY Mellon is currently providing 24 months of free identity theft protection for the Connecticut residents initially affected.

"We are encouraged that BNY Mellon has cooperated thus far and we intend to make sure they continue to work with the appropriate Connecticut agencies until this situation, once and for all, is resolved to our satisfaction," Rell said.