Bonanza for identity thieves

Kentucky's Personnel Cabinet recently sent the state's 146,000 public employees a mailing with their Social Security numbers blatantly visible in the envelopes' address windows.

With government help like this, who needs enemies? Identity thieves don't even need to root through garbage cans.

The Personnel Cabinet put the numbers right out front, listed as the first nine digits in a 14-digit code. ID thieves can use Socials to unlock all sorts of personal financial accounts, including our bank funds and credit cards. The Indians used to conserve Kentucky's pristine territory as their prized hunting ground. This Personnel mailer has made the state a happy hunting ground for identity scammers.

Kentucky Attorney General Greg Stumbo put out a security alert to warn the state's public employees they could be at risk. That includes K to college teachers, health department workers and other agency personnel. Just this year he drafted a bill (HB 4) that would have specifically banned Social Security numbers disclosed on any mailing. It only passed the House. It's real thoughtful of Personnel Secretary Brian Crall and his people to demonstrate why such legislation is sorely needed. Suggestions on how to prevent identity rip-offs -- other than quitting state employment -- are available on the AG's Web site.