TUKWILA, Wash. — A thief targeted a Washington State Department of Labor and Industries office building in Tukwila on March 28, stealing hard drives, laptops, cellphones, office equipment, door access key cards and more.
An L&I spokesperson said the stolen hard drives had files that contained identifiable information of people who had transacted with that specific regional office, as well as some L&I employees’ and dependents’ personal information, such as possible social security or other identifying numbers, financial or payment account numbers, email addresses, dates of birth and medical insurance information.
The agency is taking precautionary measures as officials have said there is no indication the stolen drives or information have been used because “the data is not accessible without considerable effort and technical knowledge.”
The state Attorney General’s Office was notified out of an abundance of caution.
“We know how concerning it can be when your information may have been improperly accessed,” said Steve Reinmuth, L&I’s assistant director for field services and public safety. “We’re making it a priority to investigate this and notify the public. We’re also setting up help for those who may need it.”
L&I has also activated a call center for those who might have been impacted to answer questions. People can call 1-833-940-2302 during the following hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The state is also offering free credit monitoring services to the following people who have:
- Filed a complaint, question, or other form with the L&I Tukwila office.
- Been involved as a witness or subject of a case with the L&I Tukwila office.
- Been involved as an employer or employee in a claim made to the L&I Tukwila office.
- Been or are an employee or dependent of an employee based in, or whose supervisor is based in, the L&I Tukwila office.
- Have had other business with the L&I Tukwila office.
The Tukwila office has reopened since the break-in and the required repairs have been made with additional security protocols put in place, officials said.
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