Social Security quiet on leak of private data

  • Scripps Howard News Service
  • Saturday, October 15, 2011 12:01am
  • Business

WASHINGTON — The Social Security Administration has failed to inform tens of thousands of Americans that it accidentally released their names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers in an electronic database widely used by U.S. business groups.

The federal agency has kept silent about a

potentially harmful security breach of the personal data of about 14,000 people each year, ignoring recommended reporting guidelines for such confidentiality breaches and violating the intent, at least, of the U.S. Privacy Act which protects personal information of private citizens.

The mistakes Social Security has made — and continues to make — with a database called the “Death Master File” underscore how federal consumer protection laws lag far behind most of the nation. Legislation in 46 states makes disclosure of such breaches mandatory, although federal agencies generally are exempt from state and local laws.

“I certainly have never been warned about this. I totally object to that,” retired University of Tennessee agriculture professor John Jared, 68, said after a reporter recited his Social Security number and date of birth, gleaned from the database. “I’m glad to know about this.”

Jared was one of 31,931 living Americans found in a Scripps Howard News Service review of three copies of the Death Master File. These files, which are available for purchase from many sources on the Internet, contained their Social Security numbers and birthdates — critical information needed by identity thieves.

“That’s just not supposed to be public information — especially not my Social Security number,” Jared said. “This needs to be corrected.”

Reporters interviewed dozens of people nationwide who have suffered security breaches because of what Social Security officials have called “inadvertent keying errors” by federal workers when entering what was supposed to be information only about dead people. None reported the federal agency warned them about the breach of their confidential information.

Most of those erroneously listed as dead who were contacted for this story said they only found out about the agency’s mistakes when they suffered adverse events like frozen bank accounts, cancelled cell phones, refused job interviews, declined credit card applications, denied apartment leases or refused mortgage and student-assistance loans.

Such events are common when the names and Social Security numbers of living Americans mistakenly are placed onto the official list of deceased persons, the investigation found.

“Our government really needs some shaping up,” said Laura Todd, 58, a Nashville woman who twice was falsely listed on the Death Master File. “I spent almost 10 years trying to get this all straightened out. No one ever sent me an apology or anything.”

Social Security officials admit that, each year, they accidentally release personal information of about 14,000 living Americans by posting their files among the records of 90 million deceased Americans.

If their estimate is accurate, confidential data about more than 400,000 living Americans have been released since 1980 when the Death Master File became public under a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Business

Paul Roberts makes a speech after winning the Chair’s Legacy Award on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Tulalip, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Paul Roberts: An advocate for environmental causes

Roberts is the winner of the newly established Chair’s Legacy Award from Economic Alliance Snohomish County.

Laaysa Chintamani speaks after winning on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Tulalip, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Laasya Chintamani: ‘I always loved science and wanted to help people’

Chintamani is the recipient of the Washington STEM Rising Star Award.

Dave Somers makes a speech after winning the Henry M. Jackson Award on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Tulalip, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
County Executive Dave Somers: ‘It’s working together’

Somers is the recipient of the Henry M. Jackson Award from Economic Alliance Snohomish County.

Mel Sheldon makes a speech after winning the Elson S. Floyd Award on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Tulalip, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mel Sheldon: Coming up big for the Tulalip Tribes

Mel Sheldon is the winner of the Elson S. Floyd Award from Economic Alliance Snohomish County

Craig Skotdal makes a speech after winning on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Tulalip, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Craig Skotdal: Helping to breathe life into downtown Everett

Skotdal is the recipient of the John M. Fluke Sr. award from Economic Alliance Snohomish County

The Coastal Community Bank branch in Woodinville. (Contributed photo)
Top banks serving Snohomish County with excellence

A closer look at three financial institutions known for trust, service, and stability.

Image from Erickson Furniture website
From couch to coffee table — Local favorites await

Style your space with the county’s top picks for furniture and flair.

2025 Emerging Leader winner Samantha Love becomes emotional after receiving her award on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Samantha Love named 2025 Emerging Leader for Snohomish County

It was the 10th year that The Herald Business Journal highlights the best and brightest of Snohomish County.

2025 Emerging Leader Tracy Nguyen (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tracy Nguyen: Giving back in her professional and personal life

The marketing director for Mountain Pacific Bank is the chair for “Girls on the Run.”

2025 Emerging Leader Kellie Lewis (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Kellie Lewis: Bringing community helpers together

Edmonds Food Bank’s marketing and communications director fosters connections to help others.

2025 Emerging Leader Christina Strand (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Christina Strand: Helping people on the move

Community engagement specialist believes biking, walking and public transit can have a positive impact.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.