When I gave examples of privacy data breaches recently (here) I didn’t think that lenders would leave loan application files in recycling bins in a public place.

But that’s what Auusie Home Loans allegedly did recently: The 7.30 Report says 44 Aussie Home Loan files, including those of two police personnel, containing sensitive personal documents were discovered in a recycling bin in Western Sydney. (See ABC 7.30 Report transcript and video here)

The company has issued an apology and says it is working with the Federal Privacy Commission and police to find out what happened. Aussie has 220,00 customers and has been operating for 16 years. It says this is its first security breach.