From: "Lynne L. Harrison" <lharrison@dueprocess.com>
Date: Sat, 7 Nov 1998 08:55:24 +0800
To: <cypherpunks@Algebra.COM>
Subject: RE: Quick, Dear -- Beat Me
In-Reply-To: <000401be087d$55f97aa0$3b8195cf@blanc>
Message-ID: <3.0.5.32.19981106193055.0082bdd0@pop.mhv.net>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain



At 10:47 AM 11/5/98 -0500, Petro wrote:
>
>At 12:08 AM -0500 11/5/98, Blanc wrote:
>>From Duncan Frissell:
>>
>>I just went to the bank I do business with this week to open a new account.
>>They wanted my social security number, (which they actually already have on
>>record), and during a search on her handy database, the Customer Assistance
>>clerk informed me that there was another person in Florida using the same
>>number.
>>
>>>report and advice to notify the Social Security dept about it.   I don't
>>really
>>want to discuss it with them.  Think it would be to my benefit to just
>>leave it
>>alone?  <g> Probbly not.


>	If they are using your name as well, they could be damaging your
>credit rating.

Absolutely, and it is not limited to credit cards.  It would pop up if, for
example, you buy a new car.  If your rating does become negatively
affected, the creditor could care less about your explanation of some Joe
Anonymous using your SSN.  His first question would be why didn't you
report it when you found out.  Whatever credit you'd be applying for would
get unbelievably mired in beaucracy - something you wouldn't need.
  
Additionally, it can mushroom in other areas as well.  This other person is
getting credit for the number of years that you have been employed.  Also,
if s/he applies for SSD or SSI (disability or supplemental security
income), you will be impacted upon.  Some states require SSN's for driving
licenses, and there's a myriad of potential problems here as well.  Tax
returns can potentially become a complication.  And the list goes on....

All in all, you should seriously reconsider your decision of not reporting
the problem.


***********************************************************
Lynne L. Harrison, Esq.           |    "The key to life:
Poughkeepsie, New York            |     - Get up;
mailto:lharrison@dueprocess.com   |     - Survive;
http://www.dueprocess.com         |     - Go to bed."
***********************************************************

DISCLAIMER:  I am not your attorney; you are not my client.
             Accordingly, the above is *NOT* legal advice.