Office of the Governor Press Releases

COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced the state has determined that additional information is contained on the computer back-up device stolen last week, and will extend Debix services to taxpayers and other Ohioans with sensitive data which has been found on the device.

It remains unlikely that someone can access the data contained in the device without specialized knowledge and equipment. The State of Ohio has no information to date that the data has been accessed, but continues to encourage everyone to take preventative precautions.

“While it is unlikely that someone can access the data contained in the device without specialized knowledge and equipment, we are proactively providing identity theft prevention and protection services to the people of Ohio now impacted by this situation,” Strickland said. “However, we have no information to date that the data has been accessed.”

Among the newly confirmed data on the device:

1. A list of taxpayers with uncashed state personal income tax refund checks (and/or school district income tax refund checks) issued in 2005, 2006 and through May 29, 2007

The file contains the names, social security numbers and check amounts of up to 225,000 taxpayers with uncashed state personal income tax refund checks (and/or school district income tax refund checks) issued in 2005, 2006 and through May 29, 2007. This includes checks that were cashed after May 29, 2007. The list did not contain mailing addresses or bank account information.

2. A list of lottery winners with uncashed checks

The file includes the names and social security numbers of 602 lottery winners who have yet to cash the check for their lottery winnings.

3. A list of uncashed checks from unclaimed funds payments

The file includes the names and social security numbers of 2,488 Ohioans who have yet to cash checks for unclaimed funds payments.

4. A list of rejected Electronic Funds Transfers (EFT)

The file includes the names and bank account numbers for approximately 650-1,000 EFT transactions that were unable to be completed because the EFT was bounced back from the banking institution.

“We will continue working hard to make sure that everyone affected by this data theft has up-to-date information as we confirm it,” Strickland said. “I want to thank all the state employees who are giving their time to staff the call centers to assist their fellow state employees and Ohioans.”

To assist taxpayers in the protection against the potential, though unlikely, misuse of personal information, the state is offering one year of free identity theft prevention and protection services through Debix.

Starting later today, taxpayers will be able to search an online database at www.ohio.gov/idprotect to see if their name is listed in the files contained on computer back-up device stolen last week. If the search comes back that the taxpayer’s name is on the list they will receive a pin number that will allow them to sign up for Debix services.

In addition, letters with PIN numbers are being sent tomorrow morning to those whose personal information was included on the list. Additionally, www.ohio.gov/idprotect and an automated telephone number 1-888-644-6812 will have updates for taxpayers as a resource to find the latest information available.

Those individuals affected by the lottery, unclaimed funds and EFTs will be eligible for Debix and will be notified by mail.

If anyone has additional questions and would like to speak to a live person regarding how they may be affected by today's announcement or needs help in finding access to a computer, they should call 1-800-267-4474 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. beginning Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 8:00 a.m.