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i was shocked when my roommate discovered my personal information in the recyclable paper bin. The board president had thrown out all the information I had supplied for board approval to purchase. My SS #, bank accounts, credit cards, credit score, tax returns. It also contained meeting minutes and emails between board members. I called management and informed them of what I discovered. I do not have a good relationship with the board because of prior indiscretions. I think that at the very least I should have received an apology. I am a shareholder who has been marginalized and disenfranchised. The same board members for years, with no change in sight, the option to vote them out is nonexistent. I am so disgusted and repulsed by them. The annual shareholders meeting is in April and I am very apprehensive about attending since I have already been the subject of verbal assaults at previous meetings. Very sickening!
Join the Conversation Comments (2)Thank you, I have seen new buyers packages left right by door mat on board members apts to review with there apt# on package. Security breach, because your entire life is in those papers. Very careless. I hoping all board members would shredded documents that would be security and safty reasons apart from laws! Good luck Ned!
Section 399-dd of New York’s General Business Law requires corporations and associations, among others, to protect the confidentiality of a person’s social security number. General Business Law section 399-h requires that certain measures, including deleting personal information or shredding documents that contain such information, must be taken by corporations or associations when disposing of personal information. These sections apply to cooperatives because they are corporations and also apply to condominiums because they are associations of unit owners. Therefore, boards must take “reasonable measures” to protect residents’ social security numbers, and properly destroy or dispose of residents’ personal information. Otherwise, the board may be subject to statutory liability.
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You should have received an explanation, an apology and a commitment that it would not happen again. Clearly they have no knowledge of privacy rights; something that you would hope a board would have some degree of knowledge about since they are dealing with shareholder personal information.
If, because of prior indiscretions and this incident combined you are concerned that this could happen again, you can file a formal complaint with the Office of the Attorney General (http://www.ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/pdfs/complaints/piu001_complaint_form.pdf). I would call them first to see if this is the right avenue to do this. (General Helpline: 1-800-771-7755 for calls made within New York State). Perhaps they need an "official" reminder of the law (and their duty to privacy) versus it coming from a shareholder.
As far as the board remaining, it is unfortunate that like minded shareholders cannot get together and develop a plan ( i.e. replace the board) and support for that to happen. It takes a lot of work, time, coordination and commitment from shareholders - and someone to lead the charge. Otherwise, it appears that you are stuck with them unless it is specified in your rules & regulations (or bylaws) that they have a specific term.
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