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Unshredded case files in trash pose security threats

Client info with personal data appear to be from a local lawyer’s office.

Case files are strewn across a dumpster after people from the William Bowen law firm trashed them Friday, June 26, 2009. The files contain client information such as case information, correspondence, Social Security numbers, names and addresses.

Pat Auckerman/Staff photographer Case files are strewn across a dumpster after people from the William Bowen law firm trashed them Friday, June 26, 2009. The files contain client information such as case information, correspondence, Social Security numbers, names and addresses.

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MIDDLETOWN — Stacks of business and real-estate case files from a Middletown law firm were left unshredded in a public garbage dumpster June 26, making the Social Security numbers and other personal information on the documents accessible to anyone.

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Document Consultant is correct.

Many people do not realize that it is easy,low cost and affordable to use a secure document destruction company.

There are many for profit companies but also some outstanding non profit organizations. One nonprofit that supports services for adults with disabilities is http://documentsolutions.org/

Either way be sure to shred old files and avoid the problems that come with improper disposal.

There are too many risk doing it the wrong way.

document shredder
6:09 PM, 8/25/2009

I work for a secure NAID certified document destruction company. His actions are more common that one might expect. They could have been destroyed by professionals in a secure manner for very little cost. Everyone should ask their lawyers, doctors, insurance agents etc. how they dispose of personal information. Shredding it in-house does not offer adequate safeguards...let alone just throwing it away. One sheet of paper with very little info is enough for a criminal to ruin someone's life.

Document Consultant
2:41 PM, 7/8/2009

To Larry:

Actually Larry it IS a public dumpster. I know a bit more about because I am in the neighborhood. And no, they didn't just happen to spy upon them doing this. In fact, it is the second incident of such a dump by this law firm. A neighboring business to the law firm called the paper in disgust because they were doing it again. The made MULTIPLE dumps...not just two or three. They FILLED the dumpster.

Lucas
8:19 PM, 7/7/2009

I am pretty sure that was not a "public dumpster".
Don't think I have ever seen a public dumpster.
This story is a little weird, sounds like the crack staff at the Journal got a lead. Sounds like
the staff at the attorneys office were making a second trip when the "were seen" loading more files.

Larry
6:08 PM, 7/5/2009

Replying to Art -

Why don't you reply to the issue at hand rather than changing the topic? The issue is an attorney improperly disposing of records with sensitive information - period. It was improper on so many levels. The issues you brought up are irrelevant and are a red herring to bypass the serious mistake the office of William Bowen made.

Rob
4:30 PM, 7/5/2009

Can't you find stories somewhere else but diving in dumpsters?
I can't believe you creating such crap from a LOCAL DOWNTOWN business which has held on for more than 20 years. Its not like we have businesses flooding the city anyway! Run another one out. From what I understand, the journal is in the SAME BUILDING! what happened to neighborly.

SHAME on you dumpster diving on your NEIGHBOR after a major flood in the building, disposing of PUBLIC records from ancient companies after 19 years

art
3:51 PM, 7/5/2009

Jay, if that wasn't a racist comment I don't know what is. Obama has more important these to handle in this country besides some dumpster diving gossip. Why don't you step back and give Obama a chance like we gave Bush a chance? You should have been commenting when Bush was dragging a country down. Now that's a fact and not just my opinion.

Brandy
11:45 AM, 7/5/2009

For Paul Nagy: I suppose my response to "Wonder what mistake(s)you and I have made in the course of everyday stresses and events" is chalked up to the fact that on a daily base's, I am not held legally liable for the privileged information I am sworn to protect. Personal information you trust and pay dearly for! Makes me wonder, are you family or an employee? Shame on you, for your flip'ped attitude. A Once in a life time mistake, absolutely, as I will NEVER seek his unprofessional help again!

Dissapointed & Discusted
11:43 AM, 7/5/2009

"The Middletown Journal discovered... in the dumpster without a lid in an alley behind the law office…"

Really? Is dumpster shadowing a standard method of investigative reporting for the Journal? Sounds like some details are missing from this story.

kls
10:24 AM, 7/5/2009

Bottom line he didn't want to pay to have these papers shredded, your right, nothing will be done but this is someone who's ethical character needs to be scrutinized. Then again, I think Obama had a hand in this , I heard some of the papers had Light choclate on them, so It's OBAMA'S FAULT

jay
9:59 AM, 7/5/2009

As a former employer of Mr. Bowen in the mid-80's, I too know of his integrity for his clients and their confidentiality. I have to wonder if some silly file clerk didn't goof?

Trisa L
8:18 AM, 7/5/2009

I've known Bill Bowen for a long time. He is always meticulous about details. I cannot help but believe this was a "once in a lifetime" situation. His integrity and ability over the years allows me to not see this as any reason to diminish my total confidence in him. I know he will do what is necesary to correct this. Makes me wonder what mistake(s) you and I have made in the course of everyday stresses and events?
Paul Nagy

Paul Nagy
7:41 AM, 7/5/2009

If she took time to correct all of her mistakes she would never get anything published. Good!!!!!

jm
7:38 AM, 7/5/2009

Ms. Heffner should devote her "dumpster diving " time to making corrections in the paper before its published. That will keep her busy.

Rick
6:32 AM, 7/5/2009

So, so we have a social security number for Mr. Bowen? :-p

Kevin S.
2:10 AM, 7/5/2009

Its sad but like everything else, nothing will come of it.

Tom
12:09 AM, 7/5/2009

Well now I know what attorney NOT to get if I ever need one!!

Charlie
11:31 PM, 7/4/2009

STUPID STUPID STUPID!! Sounds like someone needs to go back to law school. Also makes me wonder why they are dumping files...Idiots.

ohgodno
11:20 PM, 7/4/2009

I am totaly appauled, this is not exceptable, especially with a law firm being involved. I'm looking towards our law officials in both our city and country to file the proper charges, and hopefully they will be given more than a mear slap on the wrist. I'll be watching this case! So should each citizen in our area, weather your a clint of this law firm or not

Ticked Off

Kathy
10:48 PM, 7/4/2009

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