Marriott´s Affiliate Loses Database of over 200,000 Customers

An affiliate of Marriott Hotels Co. in Florida´s Orlando lost a database containing the personal information of some 206,000 partners, owners and customers, a spokesperson from the chain revealed.

The missing magnetic tapes were brimming with mailing addresses, social security numbers and credit card numbers, even banking account data of some customers.

Marriott Vacation Club International (MVCI) notified customers about the data loss and offered a credit card surveillance service in case the missing info will be used for fraud scams, the company informed in a press release.

“In addition, we´re working closely with federal agents because they have jurisdiction on this case,” said Ed Kinney, a Marriott spokesman.

MVCI didn´t reveal how long the backup tapes have been missing, though it indicated that a probe is underway.

“We regret this situation and we know it is certainly as major concern for our partners and customers,” noted MVCI president Stephen P. Weisz. “We sent mail notifications to our clientele and we´re available to answer any questions about this case.”

MVCI is a Marriott division specialized in the sale and leasing of tourist resorts through a shared-time system that includes 46 tourist compounds in two dozen destinations.