Personal info exposed after State of Ohio sends wrong tax forms to 9,000 people

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) - The Ohio Department of Commerce says thousands of letters were sent by the state to those who qualify for unclaimed funds, but the letters were sent to the wrong people. The letters include personal information, including names and social security numbers, according to the state.

"Due to a processing error, approximately 9,000 consumers were mailed forms that were inaccurate," the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Unclaimed funds announced in a release on Friday.

Due to the processing error, the Ohio Department of Commerce says approximately 9,000 customers were mailed forms that were inaccurate. Inaccurate information may include:

• Amount of interest paid
• Personal information

“We’re moving quickly to address this issue and to ensure consumers have an accurate 1099 for tax purposes,” Superintendent of the Division of Unclaimed Funds Akil Hardy said. “I encourage consumers to contact us to find out if the form they currently have is accurate and learn how to dispose of inaccurate forms. We are working diligently to issue corrected forms where necessary and should complete that process by the end of next week.”

You can contact the Division by:

Calling toll-free 877-644-6823, Monday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Staff will ask your full name and mailing address, as well as the claim number assigned to your claim if you have that available.

Sending an email to UnfdClaims.UnfdClaims@com.state.oh.us. To expedite your request, please include “IRS Form 1099” in the subject line; in the body, include your full name and mailing address, and your claim number if you have that available. Do not include any confidential information such as your Social Security number.

The Division is offering affected consumers one year of identity theft protect at no cost, according to the release. Those consumers will receive a letter with detailed information about these services and how to enroll.