Goodwill caught selling donors' personal information including SS#'s

Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana has launched an internal investigation after 13 Investigates discovered the charity has been selling tax returns, medical records, social security numbers and other sensitive information mistakenly donated by its customers.

The personal information WTHR found for sale at Goodwill Outlet Stores has angered donors, shocked law enforcement and raised policy questions about the charity, which receives 1.9 million donations annually.

The problem was first identified by a longtime Goodwill donor and shopper. Her tip to Eyewitness News triggered an undercover investigation that, according to police, exposes a safety and security threat to anyone who donates to the charity.

When you think of Goodwill, you likely think of a retail store where donated furniture, books and clothes are neatly organized on shelves and hangers waiting for a new home.

The charity operates 51 of those stores around central Indiana, which also serve as drop-off locations for Hoosiers who want to donate used items they no longer need.

But much of the merchandise donated at a retail store drop-off either does not sell or cannot be sold because of its condition.  Those donations are then trucked to one of Goodwill's giant outlet stores. Read more >>