Citigroup blames UPS for loss of customer data
According to various news reports, Citigroup blames express package carrier UPS for the loss of sensitive financial data for 3.2 million customers.
The Wall Street Journal reported today that the data contained in computer tapes was included in a May 2 monthly shipment from a CitiFinancial data center in Weehawken, N.J., and destined to credit agency Experian’s Texas office. The package was considered lost by Citigroup May 24.
A UPS spokesman told the Journal that an “exhaustive search” was conducted by the company to find the missing package, but it was not found.
The Washington Post reported that a Citibank security camera showed a UPS driver picking up the package on May 2, but according to the newspaper, Kevin Kessinger, executive vice president of Citigroup’s Global Consumer Group, said the UPS employee “did not scan the box when he picked it up, in violation of extra security measures UPS had agreed to take.”
Citigroup doesn’t believe the package was stolen. However, the company warned its customers to take extra precaution to watch their accounts closely for any suspicious activities.