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WASHINGTON, D.C –June 21, 2007 – U.S. Representative Ron Lewis participated in a hearing held by the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Thursday to examine the role of Social Security numbers (SSNs) and identity theft and options to increase privacy and protection.
“The use of Social Security Numbers as a tool for personal identification has significantly expanded in recent years,” said Lewis. “Identity theft involving these numbers is often used by criminals to commit banking and accounting fraud. It is important that we take the appropriate steps to protect ourselves.”
Lewis, a member of the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, has been actively involved in efforts to strengthen protections of personal identification, focusing particularly on Social Security Number Card privacy issues and growing problems with fraud and abuse.
Thursday’s hearing focused on how SSNs are currently used, what risks to individuals and business arise from their widespread use, and what options exist to restrict use in the public and private sectors. The subcommittee considered testimony from a panel of senior officials from the Social Security Administration, Federal Trade Commission, Government Accountability Office, and several privacy information organizations.
A 2003 survey sponsored by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimated that almost 10 million Americans were victims of identity theft in the past year, and 27 million were victims in the past five years. Identity theft was the top ranked consumer complaint in 2006, costing victims a combined total of $5 billion. Business and financial institutions spent more than $48 billion to resolve fraud resulting from identity theft.
"It seems that too often convenience is being placed ahead of security when it comes to the use of Social Security numbers,” said Lewis. “We must carefully consider solutions to limit commercial use.”
Numerous bills have been introduced in the current Congress to mandate significant changes to Social Security number use. These measures include restricting the sale and public display of Social Security numbers, limiting dissemination of Social Security Numbers by credit reporting agencies, making it more difficult for businesses to deny services if a customer refuses to a Social Security Number, and establishing civil and criminal penalties for violations.
Please consult the follow website if you believe you may be a victim of identity theft:
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