This is classic. People getting rid of computers often leave them full of info.
If it's the CIA getting rid of the computer, then the issues are obvious.
In some states, the state government donates obsolete computers to prisons for training inmates.
Result: identity theft. The article doesn't say, but if it's the state government, it could be a lot more than just someone's personal computer, it could be a whole database.
Come to think of it though, if you wanted to do identity theft, hitting ebay for used hard drives might be a really good way to get started.
wired article
Dated: 12/20/2002