In the course of responding to a Public Information Request, the City of Baytown erroneously released a spread sheet that contained some personal information of people who had received citations from specific red light cameras and paid their fine by electronic check. The information released contains bank account numbers, routing numbers and check numbers. Although not directly linked to the above information some names and notice numbers were also included in the document, which could allow for cross referencing.
The City contacted the recipient of the information and confirmed that he was aware that the sensitive information that he received was inappropriate and should be destroyed. He consented to deleting the electronic file that contained the information. He had shared that information with one other person, who has also agreed to destroy the file. The City of Baytown does not believe that there is any intent to distribute the personal information.
“We recommend that if you think your information might have been included, you should monitor your bank account to ensure that it is not compromised,” said Public Affairs Coordinator, Patti Jett. “As in all cases where identity theft could be a problem, you can contact the major credit bureaus and ask them to flag your credit file with a fraud alert. This will alert you when ever someone tries to open credit in your name.”