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1 million IDs on intern's stolen tape
State Rep. Kevin DeWine, R-Fairborn, said it's an outrage that details are still coming out.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
COLUMBUS — The backup computer data tape stolen from a state intern's car last month included personal information on more than a million individuals, businesses and entities such as local governments.
That was the tally Wednesday, but the number could grow.
Extras
Gov. Ted Strickland said he doesn't know when the expert hired to review what was on the stolen tape will complete his work.
Strickland announced that the names and Social Security numbers of about 584,000 individuals, and the names and tax identification numbers of about 86,986 vendors, have been added to what was previously known.
Altogether, the total number of individuals affected is 859,852 and the number of businesses, vendors, local governments and other entities affected is 258,529 for a total of 1,118,381.
The latest revelation from the Democratic governor drew a sharp attack from state Rep. Kevin DeWine, R-Fairborn, deputy chairman of the Ohio Republican Party.
"The fact that it's been more than a month since this data was stolen and Ohioans are still finding out who is affected is an outrage," DeWine said in a press release.
Keith Dailey, Strickland's spokesman, responded that "it's unfortunate that some will try to score political points" while the governor continues to try to insure protection for any Ohioans at risk.
The state is providing ID theft protection services to all those affected, but Strickland said so far there is no evidence that personal information has been accessed as a result of the stolen tape. It would take expert knowledge and equipment to get information from the tape, he said.
The price tag for the investigation is $2 million, said Hugh Quill, director of administrative services.
New information on the tape provided by Strickland included:
• Names, Social Security numbers and check amounts of about 561,126 taxpayers with uncashed state personal income tax refund checks and or school district income tax refund checks, issued in 2005, 2006 and through May 29, 2007.
• Names and Social Security numbers for 14,874 individuals who have had business with the state, including bank information for 3,471 of these individuals.
All those affected will be notified by mail but you can search for your name at www.ohio.gov/idprotect or by calling 1-800-267-4474.
The Highway Patrol investigation of the theft continues.
To provide information, call (877) OHSINTEL or (614) 799-3555 or send to: P.O. Box 361901, Columbus, OH 43236.
Contact this reporter at (614) 224-1608 or whershey@DaytonDailyNews.com.
