[FreePaul]

You're correct. It's too late to restrict the use of SS numbers. The quickest and cleanest solution would be to pass federal laws that make uncollectable all debts based on SS number identification or where a SS number was used in any manner to incur the debt. And prohibit any agency from using or reporting such debts. Sure would take the incentive out of stealing some identification and discourage the use of SS numbers for ID.

The secondary result of proposing this would bring millions of dollars to politicians from credit agencies to defeat it. Would be fun to watch.

[Mo1]

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[jiggyboy]

That one's DOA, old sport. Everybody uses their SSN at some point to get their mortgage.

[pepsionice]

If you really want to halt this whole mess...you start with a federal law that requires all licenses of states to have nothing to do with social security numbers...give them 60 days to switch over and all new licenses get independent numbers. Then turn to the military and get rid of use of SSN numbers there...go back to the old serial numbers...issue them in basic. Then turn to the credit card companies...and demand photos on all credit cards within 24 months. This whole problem started with credit card companies who opened the back door and said everyone can come in...so stop that practice. Finally, make a simple law that says you get 15 years in prison with no parole if you steal an ID. Make it stick and make the guy go for hard time in North Dakota. We can stop this whole thing if we all stand up.

[afraidfortherepublic]

You're right. Every time I turn around I am required to provide my SS number -- for insurance, driver's licenses, etc. At one time even Weight Watcher's made the SS# the membership number! (WW was had an English CEO at the time who thought nothing of it.) I was amazed at how many people provided their SS#s without question.

[Vigilanteman]

Love your approach. This would absolutely destroy the market value of misused SSN's. It could also punish lenders who required the number as an identifier. Abuse would come to a screeching halt and there would be no expense to the government in reissuing numbers.

[tessalu]

This act will not stop identity theft. It is a billion dollar business right now, and our government seems not to have an effective plan to stop it.