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SCHOOL EMPLOYEES VICTIM OF IDENTITY THEFT

Posted by: Micah Adkins
April 14, 2009
Topic: ID THEFT, DATA BREACHES AND CREDIT REPORT DISPUTES

According to Katherine Leal Unmuth of the Dallas Morning News, at least 3,400 teachers and school employees of the Irving Independent School District (suburb of Dallas, Texas) are victims of low-tech identity theft. The personal data (including Social Security numbers) is believed to have been taken from a trash dumpster and was not shredded.

"Dumpster diving" is a low-tech method for identity thieves to collect personal information. Many states do not have laws prohibiting people from taking trash from dumpsters; however, employers have a duty to safeguard its employees personal information and should always shred personal information prior to disposal. As a result of the security breach that seemingly could have been easily avoided, Irving School District employees are complaining of fraudulent credit card charges, out-of-pocket expenses to change driver's license numbers and sleepless nights.  Two people have been arrested in connection with the identity theft.

FULL STORY

If you or a family member has been a victim of identity theft as a result of a security breach at your place of employment, contact attorney Micah Adkins for a free consultation.


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