Social Security Numbers, Identity Theft, Congress, and Your Protection

This is the first of a five part series on SSN access

Few topics are as controversial and ever changing as the purpose, both intended and tangible, of the nine-digit social security number (SSN). Once created simply as a method of enforcing Social Security laws, the SSN has evolved into a de facto identification. This was not the original purpose of the SSN; having a single set of numbers issued by the federal government acting as a unique, personal identifier has raised considerable concerns among the people of the United States.

The stark reality of the potential for abuse of the SSN has always been evident, and the line between acceptable and non-acceptable information made available via a SSN has often been distorted at best. Few people would deny that there is considerable trepidation concerning the amount of information made available through the use of a single nine-digit number.

Nonetheless, the concern in recent years has not been what type or even the amount of personal information associated with each person’s SSN, but rather who can have access to that particular information.

The old adage, “There are two sides to every story,” holds considerable truth: there are reasons why restricting the access of information may give the impression of being a good proposal, but on the other hand, there is substantial contemplation which must be calculated when restricting information to the public especially by any governmental body.

The 110th Congress has acted to amend the Social Security Act. The HR 3046, or the Special Security Number Privacy and Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2007, makes the promise to “enhance Social Security account number privacy protections, to prevent fraudulent misuse of the Social Security account number, and to otherwise enhance protection against identity theft, and for other purposes.”

At the same time, the 110th Congress is further attempting to amend the Social Security Act with HR 948 promising “To strengthen the authority of the Federal Government to protect individuals from certain acts and practices in the sale and purchase of Social Security numbers and Social Security account numbers, and for other purposes.”

Stop identity theft? Protect each and every SSN? In theory, this sounds like an advantageous notion benefiting all of the American people and their safety.

Regrettably, not all is as ideal as it first sounds…

The number one reason Congress is attempting to pass these two particular amendments to the Social Security Act has to do with the identity theft crisis in the United States. Armed with a SSN, unscrupulous individuals have a basis for stealing the identity of honest, hard-working Americans. Congress is taking measures to insure the SSN cannot be hijacked, stolen, sold, or borrowed to commit identity theft. Sounds simple.

Patrick Baird
Private Investigator


Part One >>: "SS Numbers, Part One"
Part Two >>: "SS Numbers, Part Two - Identity Theft Crisis"
Part Three >>: "SS Numbers, Part Three - Legitimate Uses for the SSN"
Part Four >>: "SS Numbers, Part Four - Other Legitimate Uses for the SSN"
Part Five >>: "SS Numbers, Part Five - The Solution"