Security lapse exposes some subsidized phone service customers to ID theft risk

“Tens of thousands of applicants to a federal program subsidizing phone service for the poor have been placed at heightened risk for identity theft. Through a simple Google search, Scripps News uncovered more than 170,000 Lifeline applications and supporting records — many containing full Social Security numbers, birth dates, drivers licenses numbers and food stamp account information — which were freely posted online.”

“Responding to Scripps’ investigation, attorneys general in three states have announced probes into the phone companies that collected the records.”