Here is a little bit of real life information that might spark some comment. Today, my wife and I were talking with a loan officer about our mortgage loan. The officer informed us that my wife's social security number was also assigned to someone else. Well, it seems amazing that we didn't learn of this until the Social Securitiy Administration was declared y2k compliant by old "Billy Bob" himself. Am I not incorrect in assuming that each citizen is assigned a number that is uniquely their own? This presents two possibilities: 1) the bank in which I am dealing with is not compliant (even though they claim to be), or 2) information passed down from the top is unreliable. My guess is that it's a lot of both! Before anyone cries foul, and says that mistakes can be made, I will only reply that this is a loan that has been in existence for two years. Why didn't the discrepency emerge when we originally applied for the loan?

-- Larry Trapp (lawada@tminet.com), April 28, 1999

Answers

Banks use many different credit reporting agencies. These companies (TRW etal) have merged and remerged. This has required them to merge many data bases. Over the last severl years my file has been corrupted several times. This has been a real problem as I do need to use the banks services. I have had my social security number "assigned" to several other people at one time, some with similar names, some not even the same sex....

The point being, this may not be a Y2K problem, rather it is a case of "To really foul things up it takes a computer."

Check and see if the bank is basing its comments on data directly form SSA or from some private credit reporting agency.

When I sent for my report on my submissions to SSA (See Gary Norths forums for How to contact the SSA to get a hard copy of your report before Y2K)

Hope this helps.

-- helium (heliumavid@yahoo.com), April 28, 1999.

Illegal aliens have in the past used valid SS numbers to secure jobs. It's been much more difficult since about the mid-80s because prospective employers have to see a green card before hiring a non-citizen. Still, I suppose if you have enough money you can buy good forgeries or stolen documents.

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), April 28, 1999.

In 1990 (before retirement) I had the IRS bill me $9,000.00 because they said I owed. I didn't...found out someone was using not only my SSN but my name also. Discovered that they obtained it from my workplace. What a mess it was! No one at IRS would talk to me and finally had to get an attorney to handle the problem. He solved it but it cost me $l,500.00 and guess what...it was not deductable the next year. IRS and the accountant laughed when I asked if I could count it as a loss. BE AWARE OF WHO HAS YOUR SSN and can put it together with your name. The information that put me in the messy situation was taken off of a in house training sheet. Name and SSN listed together....a problem just waiting to happen.

-- Old Gramma (Gotitincalif@webtv.net), April 28, 1999.

How stupid is this?

The names and social security numbers of U.S. military people being transfered overseas are stenciled on the household goods shipping containers.

We deserve y2k.

-- PNG (png@gol.com), April 28, 1999.

Wanna know something scary? My employee number is my SS number.

Mo probs yet, but I am waiting.......

-- J (jart5@bellsouth.net), April 28, 1999.

Thankfully we will not have to endure the government's "We're here to hell-p." intrusions much longer. The systems will fail and there will never be enough manpower to correct the 90% which were never even attempted, let alone the true messes. Count your blessings. Name them one by one.

-- David (C.D@I.N), April 28, 1999.

My son atttends a local university. He got some of his grades via email. The professors matched social security numbers with grades.

The social security numbers of all the students in his classes came in his email. He had to pick through the list and find his social security number to see his grade. Unreal. Typical professors. No common sense.

-- GEEGee (GEEgee@Madtown.com), April 28, 1999.

Here in Georgia every driver's license carries the bearer's SSN.

Wotta database that must be, and wotta resource. Hog Heaven for Hackers.

-- Tom Carey (tomcarey@mindspring.com), April 28, 1999.

Remember the notation that USED to be on your SS card--'Not for Purposes of Identification"? It's not on there anymore. "people" found it too convienient to use it as ID so the SSA decided to utilize a good thing back in 1987. Didn't even require a new law--just a new regulation.

You think that's bad. Here in SC they are selling the PICTURES from our DMV licenses till the public went nuts and demanded the state quit. The pictures were furnished to a company in NJ to use in their database for preventing fraudulent checks. Dang near had a lynching down here.

-- Lobo (atthelair@yahoo.com), April 29, 1999.

As I understand the SSN statutes, there are only four situations in which you are required to supply a SSN if asked:

1) For "tax matters"
2) To receive public assistance
3) To obtain and use a driver's license (display usually optional)
4) To register a motor vehicle (not sure why this is, anyone?)

With all other requests, firmly decline the request for your credit card and the requester will almost always back down (because, even though they would very much like the SSN, they KNOW that cannot legally require it).

Declining to volunteer the SSN includes credit card applications (SSN makes their job easier, but since you're paying THEM interest, they have absolutely no "tax matters" reason to require the SSN) and opening a non-interest-bearing checking account (again, no interest paid, "tax matters" not involved, but in this case since the IRS/FBI/DEA/etc wants to have ALL accounts positively identified, they someone will probably be notified by the bank and then they figure out the SSN from the name and address provided).

-- taxstooge (taxstooge@goodold.usa), April 29, 1999.

I really gotta start proof-reading these things:

As I understand the SSN statutes, there are only four situations in which you are required to supply an SSN if asked:

1) For "tax matters"
2) To receive public assistance
3) To obtain and use a driver's license (display of SSN on the license is usually optional, though)
4) To register a motor vehicle (not sure why this is, anyone?)

With all other requests, firmly decline the request for your SSN and the requester will almost always back down (because, even though they would very much like the SSN, they KNOW they cannot legally require it).

Declining to volunteer the SSN includes credit card applications (SSN makes their job easier, but since you're paying THEM interest, they have absolutely no "tax matters" reason to require the SSN) and when opening a non-interest-bearing checking account (again, no interest paid, "tax matters" not involved, but in this case since the IRS/FBI/DEA/etc wants to have ALL accounts positively identified, they will probably be notified by the bank and then they will eventually figure out the SSN from the name and address provided).

-- taxstooge (taxstooge@goodold.usa), April 29, 1999.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT! Identity Theft occurs when someone wrongfully uses your personal identification to obtain credit, loans, services, even rentals and mortgages in your name. They may even commit crimes while impersonating you! Identity Theft is a frightening and overwhelming experience if it does happen to you. You may not know it is happening for months or years! It is my desire to help other people prevent the nightmare I have had to go through myself. Enclosed you will find the sample letter to send to the three credit reporting agencies. You may copy it for all three, fill in the blanks, and keep a copy for yourself. Make sure that you send it Return Receipt Requested and keep the postal receipt with your copy. I cannot guarantee that the three credit reporting agencies will honor these requests. I can tell you that I am actively working to help consumers by promoting protective legislation on the Federal and State levels. Please also know that these protective measures will not guarantee that a criminal will not get access to your credit from a "less than cautious" credit grantor. As you know, there are many ways to steal private information about you (i.e., anyone who has access to your social security number and other identifying information.) All of these offices have your information: Your doctor, accountant, lawyer, loan officer, health insurance, schools, courts, etc. A shady employee of these people could steal your identity! Remember, you don't have to lose your wallet or have it stolen to become a victim of identity theft. In addition, here are some other things that you should do to protect your privacy, which will help to reduce the risk of Identity Theft. PREVENTION: 1. Buy a cross-cut type shredder (you can purchase cross-cut type shredder very cost effectively for approximately $60 - $70.) Shred all your important papers and especially pre-approved credit applications received in your name and other financial information that provides access to your private information. Don't forget to shred your credit card receipts. 2. Be careful of "Dumpster Diving." Make sure that you do not throw anything away that someone could use to become you. Anything with your identifiers must be shredded (cross-cut) before throwing away. 3. Be careful at ATM's and using Phone Cards. "Shoulder Surfers" can get your "Pin Number" and get access to your accounts. 4. Get all of your checks delivered to your bank - not to your home address. 5. Do not put checks in the mail from your home mailbox. Drop them off at a U.S. Mailbox or the U.S. Post Office. Mail theft is common. It's easy to change the name of the recipient on the check with an acid wash. 6. When you order new credit cards in the mail, or your previous ones have expired, watch the calendar to make sure that you get the card within the appropriate time. If it is not received by a certain date, call the credit card grantor immediately and find out if the card was sent. Find out if a change of address was filed if you don't receive the card or a billing statement. 7. Cancel all credit cards that you do not use or have not used in 6 months. Thieves use these very easily - open credit is a prime target. 8. Put passwords on all your accounts and do not use your mother's maiden name. Make up a fictitious word. 9. Get a post office box or a locked mailbox, if you possibly can. 10. Ask all financial institutions, doctors' offices, etc., what they do with your private information and make sure that they shred it and protect your information. Tell them why. 11. Empty your wallet of all extra credit cards and social security numbers, etc. Do not carry any identifiers you do not need. Don't carry your birth certificate, social security card, or passport, unless necessary. 12. Memorize social security numbers and passwords. 13. When a person calls you at home or at work, and you do not know this person, never give out any of your personal information. If they tell you they are a credit grantor of yours call them back at the number that you know is the true number, and ask for that party to discuss personal information. Provide only information that you believe is absolutely necessary. 14. Do not put your social security number on your checks or your credit receipts. If a business requests your social security number, give them an alternate number and tell them why. They do not need that to identify you. If a government agency requests your social security number, there must be a privacy notice accompanying the request. 15. Do not put your telephone number on your checks. 16. Get credit cards and business cards with your picture on them. 17. Do not put your credit card account number on the Internet (unless it is encrypted on a secured site.) Don't put account numbers on the outside of envelopes, or on your checks. 18. When you are asked to identify yourself at schools, employers, or any other kind of institutional identification, ask to have an alternative to your social security number. Unfortunately, your health insurance carrier often uses your social security number as your identification number. Try to change that if you can. 19. In conjunction with a credit card sale do not put your address, telephone number, or driver's license number on the statement. 20. Monitor all your bank statements from every credit card every month. Check to see if there is anything that you do not recognize and call the credit grantor to verify that it is truly yours. 21. Order your credit report at least twice a year (I have enclosed the addresses for you on the sample letter.) Review it carefully. If you see anything that appears fraudulent, immediately put a fraud alert on your reports by calling the numbers below. 22. Immediately correct all mistakes on your credit reports in writing. Send those letters Return Receipt Requested, and identify the problems item by item with a copy of the credit report back to the credit reporting agency. You should hear from them within 30 days. 23. Take your name off all promotional lists. Call the three credit reporting agency numbers to opt out of pre-approved offers.

Experian: (800) 353-0809 Equifax: (888) 567-8688 TransUnion: (800) 680-7293 Write to the following to get off promotional lists: Direct Marketing Association Mail Preference Service P. O. Box 9008 Farmingdale, NY 11735 Direct Marketing Association Telephone Preference Service P. O. Box 9014 Farmingdale, NY 11735 24. Write to your State and Federal Legislators to demand stronger privacy protection. Also, ask that identity theft be considered a crime in your State. Demand that the State Finance and Banking Committees pass legislation to protect consumers from negligent bank and credit reporting practices. 25. Consider making your phone an unlisted number or just use an initial. 26. Make a list of all your credit card account numbers and bank account numbers (or photocopy) with customer service phone numbers, and keep it in a safe place. (Do not keep it on the hard drive of your computer if you are connected to the Internet.) Please click here to access Identity Theft RESOURCES: For free information and ordering www.identitytheft.org Click here for the Sample Letter to credit reporting agencies. Send e-mail to Mari or Contact@IdentityTheft.org With the above, I am hopeful that you will not become a victim of stolen identity. You are welcome to share the ideas in this outline with your friends and family. Mari J. Frank 1998 (800) 725-0807

COPYRIGHT 1998 ) M.J. FRANK AND ASSOCIATES http://www.identitytheft.org/protect.htm

-- Yinadral (Yinadral@juno.com), April 29, 1999.

Here in Florida, the WinnDixie grocery chain takes your SS# if you don't have a driver's license. Which a lot of the elderly don't. This in regards to paying by check.

Taz

-- Taz (Tassie @aol.com), April 29, 1999.