Laptop Containing Social Welfare Information Stolen
Release Date: Aug 12th, 2008
On 1st August 2008 the Department of Social and Family Affairs (DSFA) was informed by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General’s Office that one of its stolen laptop computers contained personal and payment information relating to certain Social Welfare customers. Those affected include customers in receipt of Blind Pension and State Pensions (old age and retirement).
Officials in the Department of Social and Family Affairs believe there is no evidence however that customer information has been misused or compromised in any way. The Department has been in contact with the Bank of Ireland, its bank, and it has seen nothing to indicate any connection between fraud activity and missing DSFA records.
Nonetheless, customers are being asked to check their own records, particularly their bank records, to ensure that there has been no suspicious activity. If they notice anything suspicious they should contact their financial institution and the Department.
The Comptroller and Auditor General’s Office was conducting an audit of payments on specific schemes for a period in 2005. If a customer was not in receipt of a welfare payment in the particular month in 2005, their information was not on the laptop and they need not take any further action.
The Department of Social and Family Affairs is to write to all of the customers whose personal details were contained on a laptop within the next two weeks.
The Department is setting up a dedicated helpline for members of the public to ring. If you are one of the people affected or if you have any concerns please call