Office of the Governor Press Releases

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced the state has determined that additional information is contained on the computer back-up device stolen last month.

“As we have continued our review we have found sensitive data for additional individuals, former state employees and vendors was contained on the stolen computer device,” Strickland said. “All those included in this most recent announcement will be contacted by mail, but individuals can also search for their name on our website or telephone our call center today for that information.”

The most up-to-date information and searchable database of individuals with sensitive data on the device can be found at www.ohio.gov/idprotect. Those without internet access can call 1-800-267-4474 for the same information. To date, the state call center has taken over 19,000 calls.

While the state continues to believe it is highly unlikely that the information contained in the stolen device has been accessed, individuals affected by this latest announcement will be offered services from Debix. Approximately 58,391 individuals have enrolled for Debix services under the state of Ohio account.

Among the newly confirmed data on the device:

1. The Names and Social Security Numbers of Approximately 576,000 Individuals.

The file contains the names, Social Security numbers and check amounts of approximately 561,126 additional 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.

Approximately 14,874 individuals in this group have had business with the state, but because of the complexity of the files the state cannot yet determine exact sources of all this data. Some files include data from the Ohio Department of Commerce and the Ohio Lottery. Of the 14,874 individuals, bank account information was included for 3,471 of those individuals.

2. The Names and Social Security Numbers of Approximately 8,123 Former State Employees

The names and Social Security numbers for approximately 8,123 former state employees who worked for the state from January 1, 1999 - July 31, 2001 and May 1, 2005 - June 12, 2007. Bank account information was included for approximately 2,073 of those former state employees.

3. The Names and Tax Identification Numbers of Approximately 86,986 Vendors

Approximately 10,840 of the 86,986 vendors on the device also included bank account information.

Additionally, the Ohio State Highway Patrol has made a P.O. Box available for any person to anonymously mail information related to the theft of the device, or the device itself:

P.O. Box 361901
Columbus, Ohio 43236

The Highway Patrol has also established a tip line to report any information on the location of the device or suspect information: 1-877-OHSINTEL or 614-799-3555.