Protecting Against Identity Theft
Protecting Against Identity Theft
June 3, 2005
Several highly publicized cases of personal customer or employee information being compromised involving prominent companies have highlighted the increasing prevalence of identity theft.
Typically, an identity thief steals your Social Security number, bank or credit card account numbers or other personal information, and uses it to falsify identification documents, obtain a credit card, take out a loan, or make purchases in your name.
When Social Security numbers were created nearly 70 years ago, their only purpose was to track a worker's earnings so that benefits could be calculated. Today, Social Security numbers are used for much more. Social Security numbers are required for everything from opening a bank or credit account to applying for a job, to obtaining a video store membership.
In recent years, advances in technology have made it easy to compile, store and share personal information. This has benefited consumers in many ways. However, it continues to be a challenge to ensure that our laws keep pace with these advances. And, as personal information becomes more easily accessible it's important to find new and better ways to keep it secure.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, the most common complaint from consumers in all fifty states is identity theft. Washington state is ranked eighth in the nation for the number of identity theft cases per capita. With complaints of identity theft on the rise, it is important to provide consumers with the tools they need to guard against this crime.
That's why I am backing a proposal to help protect the privacy of Social Security numbers and prevent their misuse.
The plan places restriction on the sale and public display of Social Security numbers, makes it more difficult for businesses to deny service to those who refuse to provide their number, and limits sharing of Social Security numbers by consumer reporting agencies. Additionally, the plan would establish civil and criminal penalties for identity theft violations.
To prevent becoming a victim of identity theft, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends that you exhibit caution when asked for personal information, carry your Social Security card only when necessary, pay attention to your bills and bank statements and check your credit report regularly. For more information, or to report identity theft please visit the FTC's website.
http://hastings.house.gov/Read.aspx?ID=464