On Saturday, February 25, 2017, between 7:00pm and 8:30pm, an individual broke into several suites at 1187 Main Ave, Clifton NJ. Among them the office of a chiropractor, Marco A. Lopez, DC.
The thief stole the office laptop. This computer had patient information including but not limited to full name, date of birth, address, phone number, copy of driver’s license, insurance ID, personal health records (notes, imaging results, diagnostic reports, etc). Dr. Lopez does not record social security numbers or credit card information. This laptop was stored behind a separate locked door and had a complex password but was not encrypted. The burglary was reported to the Clifton Police Department. Detective Zamora handled the investigation. The perpetrator was quickly identified as a career thief in Passaic and Essex county.
On April 14, 2017 Bloomfield PD apprehended and transferred the actor to Clifton for charging. The laptop was not recovered and its whereabouts remain unknown. The perpetrator has since retained counsel. No further information is available at this time.
Since the theft, Dr. Lopez has taken corrective measures under the guidance of a third-party consultant to bolster cyber security. Computers have been encrypted and sensitive data is secured on a third party server. Physical safeguards have also been added. The effect of this theft remains uncertain.
If you were a patient of Dr. Lopez prior to February 28, 2017 and you notice any strange activity regarding your identity or credit, please report it immediately to the appropriate agencies and advise Dr. Lopez so that he may keep Detective Zamora apprised. Dr. Lopez can be reached at 973-742-0927 or dr.lopez@njspinedoc.com.