State mails W-2C forms with employees social security numbers visible through envelopes

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Rhode Island officials are offering free credit monitoring to state employees after a mailing issue involving corrected tax forms raised privacy concerns.

The issue involves W-2C forms mailed to state employees by the Rhode Island Department of Administration on Feb. 25, 2026.

Officials said some envelopes may have allowed parts of employees’ Social Security numbers to be visible through the paper.

State Says Identity Theft Risk Appears Low

The Department of Administration said it does not believe the issue created a major risk of identity theft.

According to the agency, the envelopes were processed through the state’s centralized mailroom using normal procedures. Mailroom staff handled the documents until they were transferred to the United States Postal Service.

Officials also said there is no evidence that an unauthorized person accessed the information.

Credit Monitoring Offered to Employees

Even though the state has not found evidence of misuse, officials say they are taking extra steps to address employee concerns.

All state employees who received the mailing will be offered free credit monitoring services.

Instructions explaining how to enroll in the monitoring program will be sent in a separate mailing.

State Emphasizes Employee Privacy

The Department of Administration said protecting employee information remains a priority.

Officials said the credit monitoring offer is intended to provide reassurance and help employees monitor their personal information.

This comes over a month after the state sent out W-2s with the wrong employer named listed.