Consumer Blog
Identity theft and the Sunshine Law
Missouri consumer writes:
My Utility Company has received a request to turn over my information under a Missouri Sunshine Law request. I do not want the people requesting this to have any of my personal information. I fear identity theft.
Here's the way this works. First, a reminder that a utility is only subject to the Sunshine Law if it's publicly owned. So if the local water works is run by the city, the Sunshine Law applies. That means the utility must turn over the records requested.
However, as far as ID theft goes, there is no cause for concern. The Sunshine Law says Social Security numbers are closed, even when they're part of a record held by a public body. So in the case above, the consumer's utility bill records would be public except for the SSN.
Technorati Tags: attorney general news, finance, identity theft, public records, sunshine law, moagoconsumer, consumer protection
Posted by on October 6, 2008 10:31 am :: Comments (5) :: Permalink
5 Responses to "Identity theft and the Sunshine Law"
says:
October 7, 2008 4:20 pm
In reference to the Sunshine Law and identity theft. They tell you to destroy all mail with your name and address as it can be used to steal your identity, so I am very confused how this Law will allow anyone (does this include felons?)to inspect and copy all your records held by Public Bodies? This Water Company is Not run by the City, but it is Publicly Owned.Does this make a difference? Help me understand why I continue to try and protect my family from outside criminals and it is so easy for them to get all your private information with The Sunshine Law. I have read and read on the Sunshine Law and in some cases they mention Customer request of Confidentiality. Will this work and what's involved. Thank You.
says:
October 9, 2008 5:17 pm
Yes, I have found that in my investigative journalism work, almost everything I get is redacted. This means all personal information is removed.
says:
October 13, 2008 10:51 am
Was reading the article in the kc star reagrding the grandchildren scam...My parents in Sunrise Beach,mo was also a victim of this scam...the local police are investigating with the walmart in Canada..
says:
October 20, 2008 11:48 am
There are two things we can do to protect our identity. One is to be vigilant about who we share our personal information with as well as shredding any personal and legal information. The second thing is to protect our information by having digital backups of all of our paper information such as credit cards, passports, drivers license, etc for the recovery process if needed. A great product we have come across to do this is the dovetail organizer, your digital safety deposit box. More than anything it gives you peace of mind that you have done something proactive, just in case. Grace
says:
December 3, 2008 11:42 am
I received a package in the mail and someone had opened the box and removed 2 of three items then closed the box. The US post office said they could not do anything about it because it was bulk mail. The items that was taken was not important but not being able to receive the mail without it being tampered with is.
