JEFFERSON CITY, MO — The Missouri Department of Mental Health (Department) is in the process of notifying 537 individuals that their personal information was disclosed in an email. Upon discovery, the Department took immediate steps to prevent further disclosure.
The Department does not have any reason to believe the information was actually read or used by anyone intending harm.
The Department was notified on November 5, 2024, of a consumer list that was unintentionally sent to 12 individuals associated with other state agencies or community partner organizations. The list was emailed on November 1, 2024. The list contained first and last names, housing provider referral information, birth dates, department client numbers and Social Security numbers.
In compliance with federal and state privacy laws, the Department is mailing written notices to individuals whose information was affected. Individuals who receive a notification from the Department may address concerns by emailing privacyofficer@dmh.mo.gov or calling toll-free 1-833-493-4456.
Individuals receiving notification may also choose to access the following resources to protect their credit:
FREE FRAUD ALERTS
Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit. The credit bureau you contact will automatically contact the other two credit bureaus to inform them to place a fraud alert for you. You do not need to contact all three credit bureaus. Each of the credit bureaus will send you a credit report free of charge.
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241.
- Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013.
- TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790.
FREE CREDIT FREEZE
A credit freeze allows you to restrict access to your credit reports making it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. You can freeze your credit by contacting each of the major credit bureaus. Unlike the fraud alerts, you must contact each credit bureau separately. This service is free. Each credit bureau will provide you a personal identification number (PIN). You must have this PIN to unfreeze your credit, so it is important to keep each PIN in a safe, but accessible, location.
- Equifax Security Freeze: 1-800-525-6285; P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241.
- Experian Credit Freeze: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013.
- TransUnion Credit Freeze: 1-800-680-7289; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790.
Additionally, you should consider placing a freeze on these lesser-known credit bureaus: