I don't recall the name of the Act, but I believe it is true that collecting all of these social security numbers ('SSN') is being done to find 'dead beat' dads.
Years ago I was the victim of what is called 'true identity fraud'. Some low life got hold of my SSN, rented an apartment in CA under my name, got a telephone in my name, and even got Bank of America to send him a credit card linked to my SSN, but with his alias on it. He was eventually busted in Kansas City MO, and prosecuted by the Secret Service (don't ask me - they apparently handle this type of fraud). It took me about 2 years to straighten out my credit. As you can imagine, I became one of the most careful folks around when someone asked for my SSN - the answer was usually 'no'.
Then we decided we had to find dead beat dads. Now I've had to provide my SSN to renew my CPA certificate. And, I had to provide it for my hunting permits. I hear that I'll have to provide it when I renew my drivers license.
Oh, but it's OK ... we're 'doing it for the children'. Why don't we just cut to the chase, become an out and out dictatorship, and then those poor kids won't have to wait so long?
I'll show you how far this foolishness has gone. Last Autumn I had surgery, and since I was likely to lose a fair amount of blood, I went to the blood clinic to have my own blood drawn for use in the operation. They call this an autologous donation, as I recall. In the interview process they asked for my SSN. I told them that information was private. They said they needed it to make sure the blood got to the right guy. Eventually they caved, and drew the blood.
The next day I received a call from the administrator. She said the blood they drew could not be used in my operation. When I inquired why, she said it was because they didn't have my SSN. I nearly came through the phone! She tried to tell me this was an FDA reg. I asked for a copy. She couldn't provide one. Finally, after suggesting they speak with my attorney, we got it settled and I was able to use the blood.
It is getting much tougher, but my friendly advice to my friends on TFL is
don't give your social security number to anyone without knowing that you absolutely must divulge that information. Believe me ... with your name, SSN and a couple of other easily-obtained bits of info about you, I can ruin your credit and steal quite a bit. I don't do that kind of thing, but I assure you, we apparently have plenty of folks that will.
And now, thanks to our federal government, it is easier than ever. But don't feel too badly ... we're 'doing it for the children'.
[This message has been edited by Jeff Thomas (edited June 27, 1999).]
