ID Theft - Does anyone have any idea?

Does anyone have any idea?

I found out recently that the Social Security Dept has no way to protect our SS #'s if lost or stolen, unless we can show that the # has actually been used fraudulently. As a matter of fact, they won't prevent it's fraudulent use even if they DO know about it. If they find out that your SS# is being used by more than one person, they put any money collected via payroll deduction, into a special account which is not included as part of "regular" SS funding. I am trying to find out who I could contact in order to change this. I want to see a way for you or I to report it if our cards are lost or stolen, and put a block of some sort on it to make sure that NOBODY ELSE can use it. I also want to see a way for you or I, the OWNER of that number, to be notified if/when the SS Dept finds out that there are descrepancies and help us to prevent ID theft in that regard. How can we prevent ID Theft when the SS Dept has NO WAY TO STOP IT???? Who do I contact The Social Security office will not even let you know if they find your number being used in fraudulent ways. I know of someone who found out on her own when she called the SS dept when she found herself not able to get a job due to her card being used by what turned out to be over FIVE HUNDRED OTHER PEOPLE! We need this to change! Thanks for the answers thus far Mandylyn That is a great piece of advice. I still feel that if someone calls the SS Dept and says "my social security card was stolen" the SS Dept should have a way to put a notice on that number within their system, to prevent anyone other than that person from using that number for ANY reason, not just credit cards, loans and such. I include jobs and so on with that. If someone else has screwed up your social security # it can prevent you from renting, getting a job, etc. It can also prevent you from being able to collect if you become disabled or even retire. They need to put a stop to it. Excuse me but where do you get the idea that I have a political agenda? The fact is, my daughter ended up losing her SS# when her wallet was lost on her way somewhere. She had neglected to remove the card after she had to show it for a job she got recently. Yes, it was her fault, she should have removed it. I truly feel that the SS dept should have a way to protect the numbers from fraudulent use. Is that a political agenda? NO. Thanks though.

Public Comments

not at all
Start with your congressman or state senator
Very good ideas. Contact your senators and congressman.
I am not surprised at this. It is next to impossible to stop things like Identity theft. The hackers and criminals are coming up with more answers faster than the good guys can make safeguards.
There is that new social security think, something lock or lock something, it's on t.v all the time.
Contact the three major credit bureaus (experian, equifax and transunion) they will put a notation on your credit report that states that applications may be submitted fraudulently in your name or social security # and to verify your identity before procesing any credity applications... I hope this helps you... good luck
I don't know what state you live in but in New Jersey you can put a block on your social security number, it only cost $15.00, and it also stops all those credit card offers. The only problem is if you want to make a major purchase you have to pay another fee ($15.00) to lift the freeze, and it takes a couple of days for it to take place, which is maybe a good thing in disguise because you will have time to think about what you are spending all this money on and will probably change your mind. I mean do you really need more stuff?? My brother lives in New York and that State has it also.
Sen. Wayne Allard has introduced a bill in the senate on identity theft and social security number use (http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s110-699 ) which indicates it's an issue he's interested in. Contact him about amending that bill or sponsoring a new bill to address the problem.
You seem to have a political agenda rather than a question. The congress has the power to administer the laws that affect ss, so you need to start with your local representative. I hope you have a lot of energy, drive, stamps, paper, ink and time.