Social Security Numbers Printed on Envelopes and Sent Through Mail

The California Department of Health Care Services leaves almost 50,000 elderly patients’ information at risk after sending letters to those in the Adult Day Health Care program with their Social Security numbers printed on their mailing address labels.

The department acknowledges the error, and has contacted those affected with follow-up letters, and they encourage recipients to destroy the envelopes and carefully monitor their credit reports and/or contact their credit reporting agencies to ensure no suspicious activity has occurred. Credit protection is highly recommended to those who may be at risk for identity theft.