Wikimedia Commons/Mike Haw
Wikimedia Commons/Mike Haw
Documents that were meant to be shredded, accidentally went in the trash at the Iowa Department of Human Services (IDHS) in November, WHO TV has reported.
The personal information of 4,800 people in Dallas County was compromised. The IDHS said documents meant for the shredder were mistakenly tossed in the office garbage dumpster by a custodial contractor. The documents were related to Dallas County income maintenance and social work cases. IDHS officials say the mistake was not discovered until after the dumpster had been emptied.
IDHS notified all people who could have been affected. So far, no reports of damage have been made.
The types of information involved could include, name, mailing address, date of birth, social security number, driver's license number, banking or wage information, disability information, medical information, receipt of Medicaid, mental health information, provider information, substance abuse information, illegal drug use information, or prescription drug information.
Anyone concerned that their confidential information may have been compromised is advised to call TransUnion Credit Bureau at 855-288-5422.
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