What to do about a breach of confidentiality?

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What to do about a breach of confidentiality?

I went to the bank last Friday as I always do to cash my paycheck. The teller who helped me happens to be married to a co-worker of mine. She cashed my check and I went on my way. When I returned to work on Monday, the co-worker, who makes significantly less money than me, starts calling me “money bags”. At first I figured he was just playing with me and I laughed it off. As the day progressed he continued this rant about how I make truck loads of money in a playful yet malicious manner. I am almost 100% sure that the teller (his wife) told him how much money I make. I am rather upset that I have to deal with the heckling and harassment associated with this. What are my options?

Asked on August 5, 2013 under Business Law, Virginia

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 10 years ago | Contributor

You can report the breach to the bank--either management at that branch or corporate headquarters--and they may take action. However, you do not effectively have any legal cause of action:

1) You have not suffered any actual injury or loss, and the law generally only provides compensation for injuries or losses.

2) You would most likely not be able to prove the source of his information in a court, unless he or his wife admitted to it.


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