On June 27th, 2022, the Department of Justice (DOJ) updated its online Firearms Dashboard Portal, which led to the disclosure of personal information of Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) applicants and licensees. DOJ reported that the personal information on CCW applicants who were either granted or denied a permit between 2011 and 2021 was released without authorization.
According to the DOJ, the personal information exposed included names, date of birth(s), gender, race, driver’s license number(s), addresses, and criminal histories. DOJ reported that social security numbers and financial information were not disclosed as the result of the unauthorized release of CCW applicants’ information. The information is no longer accessible via the portal and Attorney General Rob Bonta reportedly launched an investigation. [1]
CCW Applicants that were impacted by this event will be contacted by DOJ officials according to their media release dated June 29th, 2022. As a result of this data exposure, DOJ reported their agency will provide credit monitoring services for individuals that had personal information exposed. [1]
If you believe your personal information was exposed during this event, or, from the result of any other action, consider monitoring your credit report. Identity Theft can also be prevented by placing a credit freeze on your credit report. A credit freeze can help prevent thieves from opening credit accounts in your name. The three major credit bureaus Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion can provide more information about that process. If you are a victim of Identity Theft, contact your local law enforcement agency to report fraudulent activity. The Federal Trade Commission also has resources to help people report identity theft and can assist with a “recovery plan.” [2]
The unlawful possession or use of another person’s personal information can be a criminal violation; therefore, report Identity Theft and suspected fraudulent activity to your local law enforcement agency. [3]
The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office will monitor the investigation launched by the Attorney General and provide updates as information becomes available. Sheriff’s Office personnel are frustrated by the security breach and the potential impacts on our residents and lawful gun owners.
300 Park Marina Circle – Redding, CA 96001-1679 – Phone (530) 245-6000 – Fax (530) 245-6054
Sources:
1. State of California, Department of Justice, Online Publication. https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-
releases/california-department-justice-alerts-individuals-impacted-exposure-personal 2. Federal Trade Commission, IdentityTheft.gov. https://www.identitytheft.gov/#/
3. California Penal Code Section 530.5(a), False Personation.
Case# N/A
Contact: Captain Gene Randall, Services Division Phone: (530) 245-6025
Date: June 30, 2022