1 Million Oklahomans' Personal Information at Risk

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Clients who receive some OKDHS programs and services have been notified by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services that their private and personal information may have been stolen.

A laptop was stolen on April 3 from an OKDHS employee's vehicle. Police are searching for the suspect and the computer. The laptop computer was password protected, and OKDHS has not received any word that the information was compromised. At least 1 million clients could be affected.

"This was an isolated incident. We believe the risk was low because this was a theft. This was not somebody who was trying to get at our information," said DHS Spokesperson George Johnson. 

The computer file included names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth and home addresses of clients who receive Medicaid, Child Care assistance, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The data did not contain driver's license numbers, credit card or banking information. The possible breach did not affect Child Welfare services.

According to a press release, OKDHS Director Howard H. Hendrick said "The risk of the data being accessed is low because the computer uses a password protected system. Nevertheless, we have contacted our clients to inform them there is a possibility their personal information may be viewed."

The agency began sending client notification letters this week to all households who are involved in the affected OKDHS programs. The letter outlined how OKDHS clients may contact credit reporting agencies and could take steps to protect their personal information.

OKDHS clients with questions about possible identity theft and fraud may visit the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Web site, or they may call the toll free call center at 1-866-287-0371. The call center will be staffed from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.