Cornell Finch

HMRC Data On eBay

The Register reported yesterday that HMRC had “lost” two CDs with a database containing 25 million records of personal data on them.

Today The Register reports that the two CDs have turned up on eBay.

Have a look at the eBay auction (as long as it is still active). It’s being run by a Mr Martyn Bannister of Waterlooville, Portsmouth, PO8 who says:

Here we have two CD-R’s for auction. They are not blank, but seem to have some sort of database written to them. I found them in my local courier firm’s sorting office, addressed to

“Her Majesties Audit Office – Child Benefits Section” and marked

“Sensitive HM Government Information – DO NOT LOSE – ENSURE THESE DISKS DO NOT FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THE CRIMINAL FRATERNITY”

They were obviously surplus to requirements.

You “found” them in your local courier firm’s sorting office? Then why are they now in your possession? I believe that’s theft.

PLEASE NOTE: Government departments should contact me by email before bidding, since they will have to be vetted for competence before entrusting such items to them.

I’m sorry, you’re kidding right? Why the hell are you selling these discs in the first place? They never belonged to you and if you are indeed in possession of them through legal means (which I doubt) then there are enough “government” departments within the Portsmouth area that you should be doing your concerned citizen bit and returning them – without request for recompense – at your earliest convenience. If nothing else you should be taking the damned things to your local Police Station. Last I checked. Waterlooville still had one!

I submit to you, your honour, that this man is a cock. A complete cock and nothing but a cock.

Bidding currently stands at £107.00 Sterling (every time I refresh the page it goes up) and I hope that each and every person that has bid on this item is investigated for their reasons for wanting this item. I further submit that these people are also cocks.