Personal information also is spread all over the place. The video store wants a driver's license number, social security number and credit card number in case you don't return your movies; they say the information is used to track you down so you can be reimbursed. Where are those paper applications stored at the video shop? If they're locked up, who has a key that would allow access? What kind of safeguards are in place to prevent an unscrupulous employee from getting his hands on that information?  

The American dream of home ownership has become a nightmare for many local residents due to rising interest rates, record foreclosures and intense scrutiny by lenders regarding loan qualification.