A "major identity-theft incident" has occurred at brokerage giant Merrill Lynch that may affect more than 30,000 employees, CNBC's Charlie Gasparino reported.
"A computer device apparently was stolen from [Merrill's] corporate offices in New Jersey," Gasparino said.
According to sources, the device contained sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, about some 33,000 employees of the financial firm.
The incident allegedly occurred approximately two weeks ago, but Merrill Lynch
A spokesman for Merrill Lynch wouldn't confirm or deny the 33,000-employee figure, but a source at the firm said the number is correct.