Casinos are disseminating patrons’ Social Security numbers

[LVBear584]

Griffin Investigations, Inc., is a private business whose integrity was brought into question in court, where it was exposed as fabricating false information about casino patrons in order to sell that false information to casinos. Griffin subsequently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in order to delay payment to two of its victims who obtained a jury verdict against Griffin for its despicable wrongdoing.

More on Griffin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Griffin_Investigations

Unfortunately, this business still exists, and incredible as it seems, some casinos still subscribe to its dubious “services.”

On its website, Griffin brags that it has access to and disseminates personal information, including Social Security numbers, of “legitimate” slot machine jackpot winners. From the Griffin website: The data stored includes … data on the thousands of players who are legitimate winners. The data includes names, addresses, physical descriptions, and social security numbers.

http://www.griffininvestigations.com/winner_data.html

How is this possible? It is likely that Griffin obtains this information from the casinos themselves. How else could it be obtained? This is a stunning breach of patrons’ personal security by the casino industry. How can the Nevada Gaming Control Board permit this to go on? With the constant threat of identity theft, the public at large should be outraged by this.

[ihate17]

Would this not violate Federal law?

If I give my social security number to a casino in order to collect a slot jackpot, I give this information to them voluntarily and because it is required by tax regulations.
It is not given to them to share with a data base (Griffin) that would then share this information with all or any of their subscribers.

Two thoughts: Perhaps a Federal prosecutor should look at Griffin's website.

Perhaps patrons of casinos need a pre-printed form that should be signed by a representative of the casino stating that when providing them with private personal information, they will not disseminate that information, making it very clear that the information is only given to them for their use.

ihate17

[SilentBob420BMFJ]

it appears he was wrong, but kevin blackwood (or another book i read) said griffin shut down in 2004.. i have heard so much about this agency in books ive read, but then i read in one that they are no more

[shadroch]

Casinos use Griffin as a source when checking credit applications or when they suspect cheating.I don't see how this is any different from a bank checking with TRW or another credit company.
I'm not 100% with this,but aren't going to join a lynch mob on the sketchy information provided.

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by SilentBob420BMFJ

it appears he was wrong, but kevin blackwood (or another book i read) said griffin shut down in 2004.

The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy but they are still in business. They were shut down for a brief period as part of the company’s restructuring.

-Sonny-

[moo321]

Originally Posted by shadroch

Casinos use Griffin as a source when checking credit applications or when they suspect cheating.I don't see how this is any different from a bank checking with TRW or another credit company.
I'm not 100% with this,but aren't going to join a lynch mob on the sketchy information provided.

But credit reporting agencies are strictly regulated, and consumers are legally required to have access to the information they are putting out about you. The Griffin agency is not regulated by anyone, and you have no chance to challenge things that they say about you.

[shadroch]

Originally Posted by moo321

But credit reporting agencies are strictly regulated, and consumers are legally required to have access to the information they are putting out about you. The Griffin agency is not regulated by anyone, and you have no chance to challenge things that they say about you.

How do you know Griffin isn't regulated by anyone? Its a private investigation firm,no?In NY,these are heavily regulated,and in Hollywood they are constantly threatening to pull a PI's credentials.Neveda must have some regulations,I would think.

[Automatic Monkey]

Originally Posted by shadroch

Casinos use Griffin as a source when checking credit applications or when they suspect cheating.I don't see how this is any different from a bank checking with TRW or another credit company.
I'm not 100% with this,but aren't going to join a lynch mob on the sketchy information provided.

When you fill out a credit application, you give the creditor permission to use your SSN and check your credit history, not to sell it to be used for some other purpose. It's a serious crime to run a credit check on someone without their permission. Looks like Griffin may have crossed the line, big time.

Crooks love to get their hands on the personal data of lottery or other big winners because they obviously have a lot of money, and also tend to be financially unsophisticated. Big reward, easy target.

[Preston]

Originally Posted by Sonny

The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy but they are still in business. They were shut down for a brief period as part of the company’s restructuring.

-Sonny-

For some strange reason I don't feel sorry for them.