Collection Law Firm Accused of Improper Disposal of Sensitive Files

By Mark Szakonyi, The Columbia Missourian

Melissa McKim of Kirksville, MO thought her personal information was safe from identity theft because she shredded her bank statements and credit card bills.

What she never suspected was that hundreds of documents from the office of a Columbia, MO law firm that specializes in debt collection ? documents that contained her Social Security and bank account numbers ? would be found next to a public recycling bin near Nifong Boulevard and Green Meadows Drive.


“It surprises me. I felt it would be kept confidential,” McKim said. “I am dumbfounded and upset.”

The documents were found by a Columbia man who was dropping off a load of recyclables for his employer, a local charity. McKim was one of about 50 people from Missouri and Arkansas whose personal and financial information, including address and Social Security, bank account and telephone numbers, were on the documents.

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