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Re-Printed with permission from Source of Title, www.sourceoftitle.com.

NY County Publishes Sensitive Information Online
2/15/2006

The Suffolk County Clerk of Courts recently published numerous documents online that contained sensitive information belonging to thousands of individuals, according to a report from The Associated Press. As part of the county's mortgage and deeds records, it has published the names, addresses and Social Security numbers of more than 7,000 property owners on the Internet.

Those interested in reviewing the files can gain access to the county's Website for a minimal fee of $30 fee. The issue came to light when the county's former clerk, Edward Romaine, informed the media that the information is available to anyone with a computer and $30 to spare.

According to an article on Newsday.com, the records can be accessed with a tax map identification number, which is also public record. After paying the daily subscription fee, users can search documents dating as far back as 2001 from any computer with just a name or address.

"Identity theft is a big problem for my office," said Robert Clifford, speaking on behalf of the county's district attorney's office. "I am surprised the numbers are available on a county Website. It's not only disheartening, it's crazy."

Romaine, who is now a county legislator, said the information is public record and is available to anyone who comes to the clerk's office.

 

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Class action suits have been filed from Alaska to Ohio against state and county governments who publish the community records online. If you feel your security may have been compromised, Click here for legal help and a free evaluation of your possible case

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