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Thousands at risk after data loss Thousands at risk after data loss
(40 minutes later)
Around 15,000 Standard Life customers could be at risk of fraud after their personal details were lost by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).Around 15,000 Standard Life customers could be at risk of fraud after their personal details were lost by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
The data was on a CD sent from the Revenue office in Newcastle to the company's headquarters in Edinburgh.The data was on a CD sent from the Revenue office in Newcastle to the company's headquarters in Edinburgh.
But the disc containing names, national insurance numbers, dates of birth, addresses and pension data never arrived at their intended destination.But the disc containing names, national insurance numbers, dates of birth, addresses and pension data never arrived at their intended destination.
HMRC and Standard Life have warned those ar risk to be "vigilant". HMRC and Standard Life have warned those at risk to be "vigilant".
How the breach occurredHow the breach occurred
The Revenue routinely sends CDs containing personal data on taxpayers to the insurance companies which hold their pensions.The Revenue routinely sends CDs containing personal data on taxpayers to the insurance companies which hold their pensions.
A month ago a CD containing the name, address, National Insurance number, date of birth and pension plan number of nearly 15,000 Standard Life customers was lost by a courier taking it from the Revenue National Insurance contributions office in Newcastle to the insurer's headquarters in Edinburgh.A month ago a CD containing the name, address, National Insurance number, date of birth and pension plan number of nearly 15,000 Standard Life customers was lost by a courier taking it from the Revenue National Insurance contributions office in Newcastle to the insurer's headquarters in Edinburgh.
A second CD containing data on some customers of an unnamed second firm has also gone missing.A second CD containing data on some customers of an unnamed second firm has also gone missing.
The Revenue says it has no evidence that any of the data has fallen into the hands of criminals.The Revenue says it has no evidence that any of the data has fallen into the hands of criminals.
Warning letterWarning letter
Although the Revenue refused to say "on security grounds" whether the information was encrypted, it has written to those affected to warn them that "there is a possibility that your personal data could be accessed by someone other than HMRC or Standard Life."Although the Revenue refused to say "on security grounds" whether the information was encrypted, it has written to those affected to warn them that "there is a possibility that your personal data could be accessed by someone other than HMRC or Standard Life."
HMRC INFORMATION For further information, the HMRC has set up the following helplines(lines open from 0830 to 1700 Monday to Thursday and 0830 to 1630 on FridaysSurname beginning A-E: 0845 91 50249 or 0845 91 50134Surname beginning F-J: 0845 91 50242 or 0845 91 50139Surname beginning K-O: 0845 91 50267 or 0845 91 50244Surname beginning P-T: 0845 91 50201 or 0845 91 58845Surname beginning U-Z: 0845 91 50139HMRC INFORMATION For further information, the HMRC has set up the following helplines(lines open from 0830 to 1700 Monday to Thursday and 0830 to 1630 on FridaysSurname beginning A-E: 0845 91 50249 or 0845 91 50134Surname beginning F-J: 0845 91 50242 or 0845 91 50139Surname beginning K-O: 0845 91 50267 or 0845 91 50244Surname beginning P-T: 0845 91 50201 or 0845 91 58845Surname beginning U-Z: 0845 91 50139
The letter also advises them to remain vigilant if anyone contacts them unexpectedly asking for more information "whatever organisation they claim to represent."The letter also advises them to remain vigilant if anyone contacts them unexpectedly asking for more information "whatever organisation they claim to represent."
All 15,000 people affected should have received the letter from the Revenue which also accepts full responsibility for the loss and says it is "truly sorry that this has happened".All 15,000 people affected should have received the letter from the Revenue which also accepts full responsibility for the loss and says it is "truly sorry that this has happened".
This latest incident is the second time in four weeks the Revenue has admitted losing taxpayers' details.This latest incident is the second time in four weeks the Revenue has admitted losing taxpayers' details.
Early in October it revealed that a laptop had been stolen containing data on up to 2000 people with investment ISAs.Early in October it revealed that a laptop had been stolen containing data on up to 2000 people with investment ISAs.
BBC Radio 4's Money Box will be broadcast on Saturday, 3 November 2007 at 1204 BST.BBC Radio 4's Money Box will be broadcast on Saturday, 3 November 2007 at 1204 BST.