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A computer belonging to and containing private data from the N.C. Division of Aging and Adult Services was stolen Oct. 25, the state said today.

The laptop was stolen from an employee returning from training in Atlanta, the state said. The computer contained personal information of some of the clients receiving home and community services from the division.

Although the information contained on the laptop is password protected, the division says it has contacted each of the individuals whose personal information may have been compromised. The letter explains the incident and based on the type of information potentially compromised provides instructions to these individuals on how to protect themselves from identity theft or scams.

Agencies the division has notified about the theft include the Atlanta Police Department, the employee's car-rental company, Atlanta airport authorities, the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation and the consumer-protection section of the N.C. attorney general's office.

The letter being sent to clients advises them to:

1. Place a "fraud alert" on their credit reports by contacting one of the three credit reporting agencies: www.Equifax.com, 1-800-525-6285; www.TransUnion.com, 1-800-680-7289; and www.Experian.com, 1-888-397-3742.

2. Immediately access and review credit reports from each of the three major agencies. This can be done without cost after placing the fraud alert by by visiting the website www.annualcreditreport.com or calling 1-877-322-8228.

Because personal information may not be used immediately, clients were advised to check their credit reports regularly.

A second group of clients will receive a different letter informing them that certain information about them was on the laptop. While the letter does not advise this group to place a "fraud alert," they are advised to be cautious of unusual phone calls or other inquiries.

The division has added a link to consumer protection information on the division's Web site at www.dhhs.state.nc.us/aging. The division has also prepared staff to answer questions from concerned citizens who may have been affected.

Those with questions or concerns should contact the division's CARE-LINE, Information and Referral Service at 1-800-662-7030 (English/Espanol) or TTY for the hearing impaired at 1-877-452-2514. The CARE-LINE is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including state holidays.