I am a divorced father who is paying court-ordered child support. My problem is that the federal government is enabling those who may want to steal one’s identity to do so with ease.
My first indication of this was a year ago (at the state level) when I went to Olympia to pay my support payment in person. A clerk at the support enforcement office asked my name and Social Security number. There were other people within earshot so I commented that my number was confidential and that a policy in their office requiring me to tell them my number (which they already had on file) was ridiculous. A supervisor came over to see what the problem was and explained to me that this was the department’s policy statewide. I complained to the main office of the Department of Social and Health Services and was told that an investigation would be conducted. The results of the investigation were that what I complained about had in fact “not occurred” – that I was lying.
This spring I wanted to go clam digging with my daughter. I went to a store to buy a shellfish license. The store clerk asked for my Social Security number. There were three other people standing within hearing distance. I turned to the other customers and told them that I was not going to give my number to this stranger. I walked out deciding that I’d rather take my chances and dig clams (and fish) this year without a license.
Wherever fishing licenses are sold a notice is posted. It says, “Why are we asking for your Social Security number? Federal Law 42 USC Chapter 7 IV, part D, section 666 (A) (13) requires states to do so in order that the government can track dead-beat parents.”
Is it possible that someone in the government has yet to hear about the problems that many people have encountered with identity theft? A person’s Social Security number, along with the name and birthdate can enable anyone to work, open bank accounts, get credit, etc.
If someone is not paying into your Social Security, they have no business knowing your social security number, period! Retail stores ask for it when you apply for a credit card. Landlords ask for it in rental agreements. No one should have this information. In these days (especially post Sept. 11) identity theft can have a whole new meaning – should the government be helping terrorists blend in with society?
Marysville
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