The Social Security Administration (SSA) has caused an alert among beneficiaries in Pennsylvania, including the counties of Delaware and Bucks, after sending highly sensitive personal information by mail to the wrong individuals. According to the agency, this is due to an administrative error, which has increased the risk of identity theft and fraud for the affected beneficiaries. One of the reported cases was that of the Maggitti family, who received information belonging to someone named Holly.
The data includes not just her name, but her Social Security number, account and employment verification information, bank account details, and employment history, which exposes the affected beneficiary. The Social Security Administration has acknowledged the error, describing it as isolated and assures that it is conducting an investigation. An exact number of people affected has not been provided, but the agency says it is working to correct the error.
Blunder by the Social Security Administration (SSA)
Beneficiaries of the Social Security Administration residing in Pennsylvania, including Delaware and Bucks counties, have been exposed by the same agency to potential risks of identity theft and fraud following what they have called an “administrative error.” Highly sensitive personal information of beneficiaries was mailed to the wrong people, including details such as Social Security numbers, bank account information, work history, and earnings data.
One reported case involves the Maggitti family, who received documentation belonging to a person called a “Hollywood resident.” According to Colleen Maggitti, “I started reading it and realized that it didn’t make any sense. Social security number, checking account information, work history, employment. Super sensitive information. If it got into really the wrong hands, it could mean somebody is stealing someone’s” identity”.
What does the Administration say?
As could be expected, they have acknowledged the error and described it as “human” and “isolated.” Although they have not specified the number of people affected by it, they have stated that an investigation is underway.
What can the affected beneficiaries do?
If you are one of the affected beneficiaries, or believe that your data may have been at risk by being sent to the wrong person, you should act as soon as possible to protect it. Here are some of the recommendations:
- Report and document the error: contact your local law enforcement agency and file a police report. This can be crucial if you ultimately suffer identity theft or fraud.
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also recommends filing a complaint with the FTC’s Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or online at www.ftc.gov/idtheft.
- Check your financial accounts. Review all your bank, credit card, and investment accounts for unauthorized transactions or unusual activity. Early detection of suspicious charges can prevent more extensive financial harm.
- Secure credit reports. You should contact the three major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, to request a free credit report. Placing a fraud alert or a credit freeze can limit unauthorized parties’ ability to open accounts in your name.
- Secure credit reports. You should contact the three major credit agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, to request a free credit report. Placing a fraud alert or a credit freeze can limit unauthorized parties’ ability to open accounts in your name.
- Monitor your SSA accounts. Create or log in to a personal “my Social Security” account at ssa.gov, and review benefit statements for any irregular changes in your records.
- Return or destroy misdirected documents. If you receive Social Security mail intended for someone else, do not open or share it. Contact the SSA and follow their guidelines for safely returning or destroying the materials. Improper disposal could further expose sensitive data.
Frequently asked questions
What happened with the beneficiaries’ data in Pennsylvania?
The SSA made an administrative error by mailing sensitive information (Social Security numbers, bank account details, and work history) to the wrong people, increasing the risk of identity theft.
What should I do if my information was exposed?
You should report the error to the police and the FTC, review your bank accounts for suspicious charges, and request a credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.