RICHMOND, Va. --Attorney Lynn Robinson contacted CBS 6 News to share her concerns about her personal information possibly falling into the wrong hands after she receiving her 1099 form from Richmond’s finance department.
Robinson said her personal information on the form was clearly visible through the envelope's window.
“The envelope has my social security number visible. The thing that’s concerning is that last year they also sent another 1099 with my Social Security number visible. I called four or five times and they told me they'd look into it and resolve the problem. Obviously, it's not resolved,” Robinson said.
Robinson said her biggest worry is identity theft because of the number of scams being reported around tax time.
"I told them about it last year and they didn't do anything. I’m concerned there may be other people out there and the city is allowing the public access to people’s Social Security numbers,” Robinson said.
CBS 6 News took Robinson’s concerns to the city. Spokesperson Mike Wallace said our inquiry was the first they have heard of the problem.
Wallace speculated it could have been that the document shifted in the envelope when the mail was sorted through various machines at the post office. Wallace declined an on camera interview, but sent CBS 6 News this statement:
"The city’s finance department distributes about a thousand 1099 forms each year. We appreciate any feedback that may help improve the distribution and receipt of this tax information."
