Confidential Records Taken From Tax Filing Office Found In Dumpster

A man found hundreds of tax documents discarded in a dumpster at a Mansfield industrial office complex which was only ten miles away from the Liberty Tax Alta Mesa office in Fort Worth in which they were filed at.

The man who found the documents, called a woman in Mansfield to let her know that her personal information was found in that dumpster.

The records contained social security numbers, addresses, drivers license numbers, and bank account information.

Authorities are investigating the dumping and theft of the documents according to the owner of the franchise.

Past employees and current are being asked questions about this incident.

According to Liberty Tax officials, all the customers will be contacted about this security breach and identity protection will be given to all of them.

If a data breach ever happens within your company find out how our CSR Readiness Program could benefit you.

To learn more about how Mobile Record Shredders can protect your documents and hard drives, please contact us to get a free quote and security risk assessment.

Confidential documents found in a recycling dumpster

It appears that the documents found in the dumpster are linked to a Hillsboro Law Group. Most of the documents were tax returns with social security information on them.

Hundreds of records of confidential legal documents were found in a recycling dumpster in Hillsboro. The documents contained information of emails, delicate customer records, and tax returns with social security numbers on them.

A lady who worked at a nearby business who shared a recycling dumpster with the company found the confidential information. “I was appalled that this information was just sitting there,” said Melissa.

“I took out my recycling and all these law papers were just sitting on top of the boxes,” said Melissa. “This could be a gold mine in the wrong hands.”

According to Melissa most of the documents seemed to be connected with a law group that has an office close by. She said she emailed and called St. Andrew Legal Clinic in Hillsboro but never got a response.

Just days after Melissa found the documents in the dumpster and after she had notified the law office, it was discovered that most of the documents had been removed. However, there were still legal records and receipts still in the open dumpster.

One form titled “Intake Sheet” included the contact information, name of the customer, the person’s recent wage information, estimated retainer and attorney’s fees, along with why the person needed legal assistance.

This man’s information was located and his information was returned to him.

“It’s upsetting to know that all of my personal information is not being disposed of properly,” said Brendan.

Read the rest of the article here.

Security for your company - tips to stay protected!

Did you know, every document has a shelf life? You may have realized some documents need to be disposed of when you no longer need them, but how long is that time frame?

When sorting through boxes or that pile of paper on your desk, don’t keep documents that may be harmful if they were ever stolen, especially if you no longer need them. Examples include tax documents and bank statements. But how do you know what can be pitched?

Here are a few guidelines that will help you decide whether to dispose or not dispose:

Tax Records:
The IRS has three years to audit your return, so it’s always safe to keep your records for six years. Once you do decide to get rid of this sensitive information, make sure to shed all documents so you do not become an identity theft victim
Pay Stubs, Bank Statements and Credit Card Statements:
Shed all pay stubs, bank statements, and credit card statements after use or up to one year - don’t just throw them away. They include confidential personal information and need to be disposed of properly.
Home Purchase, Sale, or Improvement Documents:
Hold on to these documents until six years after you sell. Expenses toward your house and/or improvements are factored into the sale price of your home when or if you choose to sell it. Which will lower your capital gains tax.
Warranties:
Keep warranties if they are still active. If they are expired get rid of them, especially if they have your personal information included. Identity thieves love items like this and use it to capture your personal information.
Medical Records:
Medical records include confidential information. You should always keep them at least one year, in the case that you have a dispute or need the information for upcoming appointments, but keeping them more than one year isn’t critical and documents can be received from your doctors office if you do need that information after you destroy these documents