Sheriff's have corrected the problem and have taken down the social security numbers. An interesting thing to note is if you're brought here to the Cumberland County Jail, you are not required to give your social security number. Consumer advocates say when it comes to your social security number don't give it out so easily. It’s the arrest log for the Cumberland County Sheriff's office on their Facebook page, where the names of inmates are posted. What was also posted were the social security numbers of those inmates who were arrested from August 27th through September 4th. Those social security numbers were collected during the booking process.
Alysia Melnick, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine, she says most times people freely give out their security numbers, thinking it’s a requirement whether to a utility company or to law enforcement. She says what happened at the sheriff's department is just one example of what can go wrong if you give out your number when you're not required too.
The sheriff's department says the glitch only posted the social security numbers online for about 45 minutes and that only 70 people saw that link. They say the problem has been corrected and resulted from a software update that reverted to default settings that post social security numbers.
Related Stories
- More Local News
- National News
- International News
- House approves Maine hospital debt repayment
- Maine gov. signs suicide prevention education bill
- House to debate Maine hospital debt repayment
- Northern Maine paper mill to get new owner
- NH's Shea-Porter introduces pipeline amendment
- Maine psychologist pleads guilty to fraud
- 2 lawsuits filed against Maine Catholic church
- State determines OOB employee retaliated against
- LePage: Eliminate Maine's income tax
- Central Maine Power sued by contractor for $43M
Pump Patrol Gas Card Giveaway
Enter for a chance to win a $100 Irving Oil Gift card!
No Text Zone
Help make our roads safe and you could win prizes!
WGME Top Stories
Business News
Consumer Info
BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...
Entertainment News
"DANCING WITH THE STARS"
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Zendaya or Kellie Pickler will be winning the mirrorball trophy.
Get This
GW-GYM FLOOR
WASHINGTON (AP) -- George Washington University students will soon be walking all over the White House and the Capitol, too.
Science/Tech News
IN THE NEWS: iPHONE RECOVERED AFTER THEFT IN OREGON
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- A smartphone, plus a not-so-smart criminal -- equals an arrest in Oregon.

