Brian Pfleuger
Moderator Emeritus
Ditto_95 said:Pete, your SSN is your identity. That is the defining identification instrument for you.
A credit card has limits and protection. Your bank account has limits and protection.
By having your ssn, a person can become you. Credit cards and bank accounts are theirs at a whim.
No, it's not and no, they don't. Even with the totality of a persons identifying information, you can't just go open a bank account or get a loan. You have to actually MATCH the person. A 19 year old girl tries to open a bank account in my name, it's not happening. Online accounts and loans have protections in place. It's not like you own the genie because you know one string of numbers.
It's a tad easier with the ssn but it's certainly not "a whim".
In the end, it's very simple. Do you really expect a gun dealer to try to steal your ID? He WILL get caught. Do you really think he'd risk his business and reputation for your identity? Do you think one of his minions might steal your ID? Even if they were so inclined, why you? What are the odds they'd pick you? Even if they did, do you not monitor your credit? Even if they did, they're GOING TO get caught.
Of all the ways and places your identity can be stolen a 4473 is way, waaaay down the list of worries.