Utahn's Social Security Numbers Exposed

Many Utahn's have their social security numbers plastered online for anyone to steal. But it's not a crook posting the numbers; it's the government.

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sjbhat - 7/28/2010 10:39 PM
0 Votes
Matt and Rod, I appreciate the two of you trying to clarify the interview, but, it was the tact and arrogance of the answers given by Rod that was really disturbing. It alarms me that the rules seem to be the rules ie; the "laws" stated by Rod, except when the government is involved. Times change like the ability of the government to scan paper records onto the internet for everyone to view, but there is no thought process that goes into effect for the protection of my information. When Rod stated....it is not our job to protect the people from themselves, irritates me! When I purchased my home 30 years ago, I had to physically go to an office. At that time I did not consider my information being on display for anyone with a home/office computer to access it. ID theft has been an issue for the last decade and longer, but law enforcement does nothing to curb the appetite for these theives. If they did the issue would not be such an issue to begin with. And, in regard to the Legislature, who are these sheep that continue to vote the same characters in?

MattGephardt - 7/27/2010 4:09 PM
0 Votes
As long as we're being accurate, Rod, let me correct you. It was a semi-lengthy interview. Not a half hour, but 10 minutes. And I feel strongly that every point you made in that interview about it being a state law issue was addressed in the story. It was when I asked if you, as a representative of your constituents, had been in contact with the legislature to try and fix the issue with the state law that we got the answers that we broadcast. I don't think that simply not telling the story was the best way to protect the public, in this case. I believe, the general public deserves to know the problem exists so they can become involved in the political debate as to what to do about it. And, as you saw in the story, everyone we approached had concerns. -Matt Gephardt; Taking Action 4 You Producer

docerus - 7/27/2010 12:48 PM
1 Vote
First of all, what you saw was 20 seconds of an interview that lasted about 1/2 hour. I am sorry for the way I came across during that portion of the interview and the poorly chosen words. But, I told the reporter both before we went on film, and then, at the end of the interview, that if he were really concerned about the presence of all these social security numbers on the Internet, that broadcasting it to the world was the dumbest thing he could do. His response both times was, "The criminals already know." This was, in my estimation his unfounded justification to move forward with a story he knew was inflammatory and would bring ratings. To broadcast this news was totally irresponsible. And, thanks to channel 4, be assured that the criminals now DO know. Utah State Law FORBIDS any recorder in Utah from altering anything on a document, both before or after it is recorded (17-21-17 UCA) except to apply the recording stamp. Additionally, the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) (63G-2 UAC) defines that everything we record is PUBLIC information and MUST be available for public inspection. I personally called most of the county recorder's offices after the interview and there are only TWO offices who are redacting information from the documents either before recording or after recording and they are doing it in violation of the law. That means that in EVERY OTHER COUNTY in Utah, that information is available in the recorder's office and (if the office has an Internet presence) on the Internet. The only difference between the Utah County Recorder's Office and most of the rest of the recorders is that we don't charge for Internet access like the other counties. If you must crucify someone for the current reality, go after the LENDING INSTITUTIONS who put the social security numbers on the loan papers and the STATE LEGISLATURE who created this Catch 22 mess for us recorders. -- Rod Campbell, Utah County Recorder

whocares10 - 7/27/2010 8:14 AM
1 Vote
Why is everyone so upset at the recorder he has his hands tied there is NOTHING he can do! The LAW states he can not alter a document!!!! I was appalled at the tone of voice the reporter used with the county recorder when he knew full well he has no control over the issue! This is why I do not watch channel 4 NEWS I watch FOX 13!!!!!!!!!!!

utahdaisy - 7/27/2010 7:47 AM
1 Vote
It's great to see our government is out to protect illegals, but couldn't care less about its own citizens. And Mr. Recorder, what an arrogant attitude you have. I hope someday you get the experience of clearing up identity theft so you can see how awful it really is, then maybe you'll change your song. You won't be getting my vote!

CA Native - 7/27/2010 5:58 AM
2 Votes
Yea, this is now exposed and all the people who make IDs for illegals will have yet another way to get social security numbers and sell. I personally know about a young man who didn't know he had his number stolen until he was 18 and started working. His number was stolen when he was 12. Social Security says it isn't his number because someone else (illegal) has been using that number for 6 years. This young man is on a rotating table waiting for either a new number or for someone to clear it up. Yes, he has his social security card - yes, he was born to legal parents. So parents, check your children's numbers yearly. That number could already be in the hands of illegals and the government doesn't give a damn. The only way laws will be made to protect us is if the President, a Senator, Legislative person of any stature has something like this happen to him/her. Other than that, it doesn't matter what happens to us, the legal tax payers. God help us...this country, the country men and women have died to protect is being lost...

ridinghunter - 7/26/2010 11:03 PM
1 Vote
I cant believe the smugness and absolute lack of respect for the public Mr. Campbell has! Is he actually getting paid by the taxpayers?! I was totally blown away by his attitude and lack of concern - then to basically call the people who pay his bills idiots. Salt Lake County needs to get rid of him quickly. The problem is not with the people - it is with the government. Mr. Campbell is proof.

iamgreat - 7/26/2010 10:45 PM
0 Votes
Why was the recorder Rodney Campbell such a bad dude about it! I am not paying his salary anymore! Get him out! Forget the illegal blah blah...Mr. Rodney Campbell could care less about our id info. You made a bad choice of words Mr. Rodney Campbell and now I am going to push to get you fired!

lizisthewiz - 7/26/2010 10:33 PM
2 Votes
I want Rodney Campbell fired! How dare he use the words he did to describe actions of tax payers that pay is wages. All we hear in the news are about illegals and other criminals using our private info for crimes. Mr. Rodney Campbell is no different!

BekahBrink - 7/26/2010 10:29 PM
1 Vote
First, NetScanr, That's pretty idiotic of you to just assume he is a mormon. Second, how about focus on the ridiculous Utah County Recorder who couldn't have cared less.
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