Marriott Unit Loses Personal Data Of 206,000 Timeshare Customers

A subsidiary of the Marriott hotel group lost tapes containing the personal data of 206,000 associates, timeshare owners and timeshare customers, the unit said.

The data, which includes names, addresses and Social Security numbers of the company's clients, was on backup computer tapes in the Orlando, Florida headquarters of Marriott Vacation Club International, the company said in a statement.

A spokesman said MCVI is investigating how the tapes went missing and has notified federal authorities about the loss.

In a statement, the company said that although accessing the data on the tapes requires specialized content, it has notified its clients and has offered help in monitoring their personal credit ratings in case the information on the tapes is used fraudulently.

"We regret this situation has occurred and realize this may cause concern for our associates and customers," said MCVI president Stephen Weisz in a statement.

"We have recently mailed notifications to associates, timeshare owners and timeshare customers and are available to answer any questions they may have."