Social Security Number: A Key to
Identity Fraud
The program provides several protections
such as:
• progressive benefit formula
• comprehensive insurance benefits that
include disability
• survivors and retirement
benefits
• spouses’ benefits
• a cost of living adjustment
• coverage until death
These protections will be placed at risk
if fraud related claims continue to spoil Social
Security.
Identity theft using the Social Security
numbers (SSNs) is one of the common Social Security frauds
that have been weakening the program.
History on the Use of Social Security
Numbers
SSNs were first issued in 1936. The
federal government assured the public that the use of the
numbers would be restricted to Social Security programs
such as calculating retirement benefits.
Today, however, SSN has become the de
facto general identifier.
Government agencies and private
businesses use SSNs even for a wide range of non-Social
Security purposes. These purposes include:
• employee files
• medical records
• health insurance accounts
• credit and banking accounts,
• university ID cards
• utility accounts
The use of SSNs as both an identifier
and an authenticator makes these numbers highly desirable
to fraudulent acts, such as identity theft.
Social Security Fraud by Using
SSN
Identity fraud is not all about money.
The persistent use of SSNs as an identification mechanism
gives the thieves many options.
Identity thieves seek SSNs so they can
use these numbers to assume the identity of another person
and commit fraud.
A thief can fraudulently use your SSN to
assume your identity and gain access not only to your
Social Security information but also to your bank accounts,
credit accounts, utilities records, and other sources of
personal information.
They can also establish new credit and
bank accounts in your name, use your SSN for employment
purposes or obtain medical care.
How to Prevent Identity Theft
Official efforts are under way to
restrict use of SSNs. For instance, the Social Security
Administration shortens SSNs on the benefit statements it
mails each year.
While essential information can be
acquired in credit card, bank accounts and other documents,
SSNs are the most common way of getting personal
information.
In California, for instance, a birth
certificate (or many other types of documents) and a valid
SSN are required to get driver's license or identification
card.
The following steps are essential in
reducing identity theft using SSNs:
• Protect your SSN. Provide it only when
necessary such as in tax forms, employment records, most
banking, stock and property transactions. The SSN is the
key to your credit and banking accounts and is the prime
target of thieves.
• If business or establishment requests your SSN, ask if you can use another number instead.
• Do not have your SSN printed on your
checks. Do not let merchants write the SSN onto your checks
because of the risk of fraud.
• Do not utter your SSN aloud when you
are in a public place. Speak softly or write it down on a
piece of paper instead. Be sure to retrieve and shred that
paper after use.
• Check your Social Security Personal
Earnings and Benefits Estimate Statement each year to check
for fraud.
• Do not carry your SSN card in your
wallet except for emergencies.
• Do not carry wallet cards that display
the SSN such as insurance cards, except when needed to
receive healthcare services.
Theft identity entails a lot of damage.
If you are a victim of it, consult a Social Security fraud
attorney to help you in your tedious legal battle
ahead.
If you have been a victim of Social Security fraud cases, do not hesitate to consult our responsible Los Angeles attorneys. Just visit our website and we will teach you how to protect your Social Security Number. Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com |
Copyright (c) - SK Creations, Inc.- IDs.com