Boxes full of personal information found unattended in Boise

The files were dropped off at a local recycling center, but it wasn't open. Boise police are investigating the incident.

BY CYNTHIA SEWELL - cmsewell@idahostatesman.com

Published: 10/26/08


Share on Twitter Share on Facebook
print storyemail story to a friend
Comments (0) |

Forty boxes filled with files containing Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, address histories and credit histories of at least 100 people sat unprotected outside a Boise recycling center Saturday.

Someone dropped off two pallets stacked with the boxes that contained mortgage and other files. The recycling center was not open at the time.

At least two people who noticed the boxes while dropping off their own recyclables became concerned and notified the Statesman or the police.

"Here's a whole plethora of information," which could be used for identity theft, said Boise police officer Jason Kindelberger, who investigated the boxes.

"Usually people have to work hard to steal this kind of stuff, going through mail boxes or trash or the Internet. This is just sitting out here," he said.

Many of the boxes contained about a dozen loan files each.

"I could be in there for all I know," Kindelberger said.

Kindelberger contacted a Western Recycling employee, who came to the center and moved the boxes inside.

"We are still going to try and find the owner, find out who dropped off those boxes and try to prevent it from happening again," Kindelberger said.

The Idaho Statesman was unable to reach the companies whose names appeared on the files.

Carolann Zografos was dropping off cardboard for recycling when she noticed the stacks of boxes piled in front of the recycling bins.

"They looked like folders full of private information," she said.

When she looked through a folder and realized what it contained she became concerned.

"I thought, 'Holy crackers, look at all this stuff that's not supposed to be out here.' I would not want my loan information, my home address, my credit report, my bank account numbers just sitting out there," she said.

Cynthia Sewell: 377-6428

OPTIONS: Most Read Stories  |  Story Comments  |  Email story  |  Print story

Story Comments
We welcome comments but ask that you remain on topic. Some comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. Comments that are profane, personal attacks or otherwise inappropriate or are off topic are subject to removal. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Do not flag comments merely because you disagree with the comment.

more about comments here.
Local Deals
Find a Job
Keywords:
 Location: