May 30, 2008 2:01 pm US/Eastern
Hundreds Of Teachers' Financial Data Lost
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Sensitive financial information from hundreds of Massachusetts teachers has been lost, though there is no evidence it is being mis-used.
A magnetic tape containing computerized images of personal checks paid to the Massachusetts Teacher Retirement System was lost. According to Jim Salvie of the MTRS, the tape contained images of checks from 370 active teachers written between February and April.
Salvie said the magnetic tape was lost by the Bank of New York Mellon during processing.
The MTRS was made aware of the potential breach on May 15 and has contacted members. The Attorney General's office was also notified.
"There is no indication the information is being used inappropriately," Salvie told WBZ. He says somebody would need special equipment to read such a magnetic tape.
MTRS has approximately 140,000 teachers, both active and retired, in its system.
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