[Dataloss] Personal Info From PA. Welfare Rolls Stolen

[Henry Brown]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22119026/

Personal info from Pa. welfare rolls stolen
Computer contained names, Social Security numbers of 86 people

updated 6:39 p.m. CT, Wed., Dec. 5, 2007

HARRISBURG, Pa. - State officials said they have begun notifying 86 
welfare recipients that a computer containing their personal information 
was stolen from an office in Philadelphia three weeks ago.

The Department of Public Welfare began mailing letters Wednesday warning 
the recipients to take steps to protect themselves from identity theft, 
agency spokeswoman Anne Bale said.

The theft occurred Nov. 13 when someone apparently broke through a 
locked trap door in the ceiling, Bale said. Welfare officials in 
Harrisburg were notified Tuesday, she said.
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Bale said she did not know why it took three weeks for the department to 
find out or take action, and she said officials are looking into the matter.

The computer, which is protected by a password, contained names and 
Social Security numbers of 14 clients and the names and addresses of 72 
other clients, Bale said.