KVUE News

Fifteen devices were either lost or stolen.

Several Travis County residents who recently took part in a Census Bureau research project have learned that their personal information that was collect has been lost.

Back in the spring, Travis County residents were asked to help the Census Bureau test new equipment.

Within the past few weeks, 358 of those who took part got a letter from the bureau. It wasn't a thank you, but a warning.

In April, the Census Bureau was testing new computer laptop technology, as well as hand-held data entry devices. It was part of a plan to eliminate paper survey forms.

When the test program ended all the equipment was to be turned in, but in Travis County, 15 hand held devices were either lost or stolen.

Those who took part should not be too worried, according to local research executive, Debbi Junk.

"They have to have systems in place for back up and really good security, so you can't get on it without a security code and password," she said.

According to a Census Bureau and Commerce Department news release, the devices did not contain sensitive personal information like income and social security numbers. But there were names, addresses, and birth dates entered into each unit.

Officials believe the information can not be accessed because of encryption and password protection safeguards.

Along with the 15 hand held devices lost in Austin, the government inventory also found the bureau lost about 1,000 laptops in other states.

"The number is unacceptably high, but the vulnerability of the data, having actually been breached or misused is, we believe, low," said David Sampson, Deputy Secretary of Commerce.

That's a promise people like Texana White are counting on.

"Hopefully we can find the devices and find out what is going on, but it would not prevent me from participating," White said.

Government officials say residents should beware of any phone calls or e-mails from individuals claiming to be Census Bureau employees, especially if you are asked to reveal your social security number of drivers license number.