Web-based lending exchange LendingTree, which generates leads in the mortgage business by accepting online customer information, disclosed Monday that it believes several former employees illicitly helped a handful of mortgage lenders gain access to customer data.

"Recently, LendingTree learned that several former employees may have helped a handful of mortgage lenders gain access to LendingTree's customer information by sharing confidential passwords with the lenders," LendingTree stated in a letter sent Monday to its customers. "When we learned of this situation, we quickly contacted the authorities, and LendingTree is helping with the investigation. We promptly made several system security changes. We also brought lawsuits against those involved."

LendingTree spokeswoman Allison Vail acknowledged the letter had been sent to customers but declined to provide further detail such as how many customers would be affected.

LendingTree believes the lenders gained illicit entry to LendingTree data systems to access TendingTree's loan-request forms between October 2006 and early 2008. The firm stated the loan request forms contained customer data such as name, address, e-mail address, telephone number, Social Security numbers, income and employment information.

LendingTree said is not aware of identity theft or fraudulent activity resulting from the breach.

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