Improper disposal of educational documents leaves thousands of students at risk for identity theft

Cardboard boxes and plastic bins containing personal information of previous students of the School for the Physical City were found dumped into trash containers behind the school’s previous location.

The school, which had recently moved locations over the summer, is being investigated for improperly disposing of personally identifiable information, including copies of birth certificates, Social Security cards, and medical records, among other information. Two dumpsters were filled with files, and after anonymous phone calls, parents and children rushed to the school to dig through and try and find their own personal files, keeping it from possible thieves.

The files date back to at least 1990, possibly further, and the information in these files is enough to allow someone to overtake someone’s identity and cause significant damage on their credit and financial records. Along with the files were several computers, which are being investigated for additional information or files that could leave these past students at risk.

Those who have attended the school are highly recommended to sign up for identity theft protection to monitor their accounts for suspicious financial activity to help take proactive steps to protecting their identity and financial futures.