How to Avoid Social Security Number Theft

Thieves target Social Security Numbers (SSNs) because most public and private transactions use SSN as basic identification for each citizen. A stolen SSN can be used by one person to assume another person’s identity and access most of your personal accounts like credit and bank.

The thief can also use this SSN to open new credit accounts and purchase items and take advantage of the SSN to obtain health coverage and employment privileges.

The government is now considering measures to limit the use of SSNs in government transactions and to lessen fraud claims and SSN stealing.

Seeking other alternative unique identification system for the citizens may hamper the increase in stolen SSNs.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is now seeking ways to limit the mailing of benefit statements. SSA will restrict other public and private offices from requiring citizens to present SSN as identification and requirement for various transaction/loan/employment means.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposes that the government honor the transaction, documents, and identification cards of recognized private institutions. Today, some banks and institutions have authentication approval from the government.

FTC has delineated specific measures to stop SNN theft. These are:

1. Prohibition on public display of SSN
2. Enforce regulation for SSN safekeeping
3. Assign specific personnel which will address SNN theft cases.
4. Provide means for private institutions to gain recognition from the government.

Identity theft is a criminal act. Federal and state law has strict measures on penalizing wrongdoers. When your SSN is stolen, the thief can use it to apply for loan, set up utilities, or purchase furniture and appliances. Thieves can hand your SSN to police when arrested of impaired driving violation. Worse, the thief can file a bankruptcy and receive a big sum of money.

These are all threats and perceived losses arising from a stolen SSN. To avoid such things, here are some safety guidelines for your SSN.

1. Make sure that all your employment records (including SSN) in the human resource office are kept securely and treated as confidential.

2. Have a tight storage bin for your SSN and highly confidential documents.
3. Destroy all expired credit cards or bank accounts that contain your SSN.
4. Make a request to change your identification number if it resembles your SSN.
5. Do not use any series of numbers from your SSN as password for your other accounts.

If you are a victim of SSN theft, consult an Identity Theft protection lawyer in Los Angeles and learn more on how you can recover damages for your losses.