State employees still waiting for credit monitoring details after W-2C envelopes exposed Social Security numbers

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island state employees are still waiting for information about free credit monitoring that officials said would be offered after a mailing issue involving corrected tax forms raised privacy concerns.

The issue began after W-2C forms were mailed to state employees by the Rhode Island Department of Administration on February 25, 2026.

Officials acknowledged at the time that some envelopes may have allowed portions of employees’ Social Security numbers to be visible through the paper.

Credit monitoring promised but details not yet sent

State officials previously said employees who received the mailing would be offered free credit monitoring out of caution.

However, employees say they have not yet received the follow-up mailing that was supposed to include instructions on how to enroll in the monitoring service.

The credit monitoring program was announced as a precaution even though officials said they had no indication that personal information had been accessed by unauthorized individuals.

Privacy concerns remain for employees

The mailing issue raised concerns among state workers because Social Security numbers are commonly used in identity theft and financial fraud.

Credit monitoring services typically alert individuals if their personal information is used to open accounts or apply for credit.

Until the state provides enrollment information, employees remain unable to activate the monitoring that officials said would be made available.

Issue stems from corrected tax form mailing

The W-2C forms were sent to correct previously issued tax documents that contained errors listing the employer as the State of Rhode Island Umbrella Company.

Officials said the envelopes were processed through the state mail system before being transferred to the United States Postal Service for delivery.