Port Jefferson, NY asked in Civil Litigation, Criminal Law and Family Law for New York

Q: Is it illegal for someone to use their job to find out your personal and sensitive information about an individual ?

This person works for social services and printed out my application for assistance (with all personal info on it including ss#) and gave it to her sister to use in court ordered mediation for divorce. The employees name (the suspect) was on the top of the page as logged in user at the agency. And her sister handed the document with my info over to the attorneys. When asked where she got it she said it was randomly mailed to her home. The sister and I both have a child by the same man and she wants her child support calculated before mine even though my support order is almost three years old. I already contacted the agency and there's investigation. This offender doesnt even work in the department i applied to. Should I speak with an attorney?

1 Lawyer Answer
Racquel A. Cousins
Racquel A. Cousins
Answered
  • New York, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: Yes, you should definitely speak with an attorney. Your situation sounds complicated and you would need to give all the facts to an attorney, who can represent you. It sounds like there is way more going on here than you can type in the "Ask a Lawyer" section. However, to answer your question with respect to whether someone can use their position at an agency to find out personal information about you would depend on why they are trying to ascertain this information. Everything turns on the "why" and in what capacity they need this information. Like I said, an attorney who has more details about your situation should be able to assist you.

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