Company to notify possibly vulnerable license buyers

The company that operates the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s online hunting and fishing license sales reports it is sending notices by mail to license holders whose personal information might have been compromised by an attempted breach of the online system.

Active Network informed Fish and Game that the attempted access potentially affected license buyers who purchased a license before 2008.

Fish and Game suspended operation of online license sales, and Active Network engaged an independent cybersecurity firm to conduct an investigation. That investigation is ongoing. Online sales will resume after Fish and Game officials receive independent confirmation of site security.

Fish and Game will keep the public informed as it continues to discuss next steps with Active Network.

• Who is potentially affected?

Idaho residents and nonresidents who started buying hunting and fishing licenses and tags before 2008. Those who made their first license purchase after 2008 are not at risk.

• Was my information stolen?

We may not be able to know for sure. An investigation may only be able to confirm that access of personal information was possible.

• What should I do?

Fish and Game recommends that potentially affected license buyers follow the advice of the Idaho Attorney General’s office and monitor their financial accounts and credit history for any signs of suspicious activity.

• Can I still buy an Idaho hunting or fishing license and tag?

Yes, they are still available around 400 businesses statewide and also at Fish and Game offices. The computer terminals used to sell licenses and tags at businesses and Fish and Game offices are separate from the online application. Fish and Game will notify the public when online license sales resume.

What if I detect something suspicious with my accounts?

Call your local police department or sheriff’s office and file a report of identity theft. Get a copy of the police report. You may need to give copies of the report to creditors.

Fish and Game is advising all consumers to be vigilant with their personal information at all times. The agency provided the following tips to avoid identity theft.

• The Federal Trade Commission has a website to help you learn more about identify theft and prevention at www.consumer.gov/idtheft

• Review your bank, credit card and debit card account statements and immediately report any suspicious activity to your bank, credit union or credit card company.

• Monitor your credit reports with major credit reporting agencies such as: Equifax, www.equifax.com, (800) 685-1111; Experian, www.experian.com, (888) 397-3742; or Transunion, www.transunion.com, (800) 916-8800.