Social Security Identity Theft

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a primary tool in Identity Theft.  The threat to Businesses is that they can be held legally liable if personal information, including SSNs, have been stolen by an 'insider.'

Yet, the problem of SSN Identity Theft is even greater.

The use of SSNs for the purpose of Identity Theft and Fraud are integral to the efforts of Homeland Security.  One method that terrorists use to create an identity within the United States is through stealing identities.  A testimony according to
the FBI states:

"Terrorists have long utilized ID theft as well as Social Security number fraud to enable them to obtain such things as cover employment and access to secure locations. These and similar means can be utilized by terrorists to obtain driver's licenses, and bank and credit card accounts through which terrorism is facilitated."

Social Security Identity Theft Protection
Over 10 Million victims report Identity Fraud every year.  The Social Security Number Administration does not release your number - it is found by thieves and often times, the information is more easily retrieved than one would suspect.

There are important measures to be taken to dramatically reduce your risk of Identity Theft, which include:

• Shred personal information such as:
  o Credit Card Statements
  o Bank Statements and Documents
  o Tax Information
  o Pre-Approved Offers
• Watch what personal information goes out with your trash.
• Do not give out your information on an unsecured website (most websites will carry a verified symbol).
• Be cautious on the phone or email for impostors.
• Do not carry your Social Security Card with you in your purse or wallet.

Social Security Identity Theft Prevention
Limiting the opportunity for Identity Theft using Social Security Numbers can only be done by limiting the use and need for the SSN as a required form of identification.  By doing so, losses to merchants, banks, credit companies, individual and businesses would also decrease.

One testimony by the FTC states:

"Social Security numbers play a pivotal role in ID theft. Identity thieves use the Social Security number as a key to access the financial benefits available to their victims. Preventing identity thieves from obtaining Social Security numbers will help to protect consumers from this pernicious crime. "

Restriction of the sale, purchase and display of Social Security Numbers can help to disable persons from accessing SSNs.

Ways in which Social Security ID Theft can be prevented:

• Require strict identification for persons seeking to obtain a SSN or Replacement Card
• Restrict multiple Replacement Cards
• Improve process of issuing a SSN to Newborns
• Increase Violation Penalties
• Restrict the public display of SSNs on the Internet

Learn More About Our ID Theft Prevention Services >>>

Victims of Social Security Identity Theft
If you have fallen victim to Social Security Identity Theft, we can help.

Contact the Federal Trade Commission:

• Internet: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft
• Telephone: 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338)
• TTY: 1-866-653-4261
• Mail: Consumer Response Center, FTC, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20580.

Contact a CITRMS Professional today to protect your business from Social Security Identity Theft.