A Conversation for Talking Point: Identity Theft

Have They Learned ?

Post 1

McKay The Disorganised

Today my wife received a letter from HM Revenue & Customs apologising for the loss of this data.

The letter includes - my wife's name and address - naturally.

It also includes her child benefit number - OK

It also includes her National Insurance Number - Why ?

They are so lax with our personal data, they don't even think about it.

smiley - cider


Have They Learned ?

Post 2

DaveBlackeye

We got one of those letters. I was rather surprised by the statement "it is likely that the data is still on government property". How on earth do they know that? And is it supposed to make us feel better?


Have They Learned ?

Post 3

electricsupersid

They've done us all a favour! Now we realise how careless they are with our data - we see the need to be more vigilant ourselves. ALLWAYS TICK THE BOX ON THE ELCTORAL REGISTER WHICH STATES THAT YOU DONT WANT YOUR DETAILS PASSED ON!!!


Have They Learned ?

Post 4

McKay The Disorganised

Well - it seems the Government might be misleading us by saying it was the fault of a junior clerk.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/12/10/brown_knew_disc_loss_likely/

This article quotes a report from the Government auditor in 2004 which highlighted lack of security, encryption, and ease of data access.

smiley - cider


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