GOVERNMENT CONNECTIONS

Social Security Number
Identity Theft
Mail
Visas
Consulates in Chicago

Social Security Number

If you are authorized to work in the US you need a Social Security Number (SSN) for tax purposes. To apply for a SSN you must complete form SS-5. The form and additional information is available at www.ssa.gov or toll-free 800-772-1213. The closest Social Security Administration Office is at 7440 Providence Dr, Woodridge (on the North West corner of 75^th St and Woodward Ave ). They are open from 8AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday. You will need your passport, I-94 card (arrival-departure record), and your letter of employment to apply for your number. We strongly suggest that you apply for a SSN as soon as you arrive as it may take some time for you to receive the number and card. You will find that having a Social Security Number will make your move much easier. It is used as identification each time you apply for a new service such as banking, telephone and to obtain your driver's license.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is a crime in which an imposter obtains key pieces of information such as your Social Security and driver's license numbers and uses them for their own personal gain. With enough identifying information about an individual, a criminal can take over that individual's identity to conduct a wide range of crimes: for example, false applications for loans and credit cards, fraudulent withdrawals from bank accounts, fraudulent use of telephone calling cards, or obtaining other goods or privileges which the criminal might be denied if he were to use his real name. If the criminal takes steps to ensure that bills for the falsely obtained credit cards, or bank statements showing the unauthorized withdrawals, are sent to an address other than the victim's, the victim may not become aware of what is happing until the criminal has already inflicted substantial damage on the victim's assets, credit, and reputation. You should ensure that your social security number and other personal information does not fall into the wrong hands.

To deter identity theft:

• Memorize your Social Security Number.
• Carry only the cards you actually need. Minimize the identification information and the number of cards you carry in your wallet or purse. Do not carry your Social Security card unless you need it.
• Give your Social Security Number only when absolutely necessary. Ask to use another type of identifying number whenever possible.
• Shred all documents that have your SSN, bank account number, credit card, bank account number or other records that typically bear your name, address, and even your telephone number prior to discarding them.
• Shred all applications for "preapproved" credit cards in the mail before discarding them so that they cannot be used without your knowledge. Decrease the number of unsolicited credit card applications that you receive. The fewer credit card applications you receive, the less likely it is that one will be stolen. Call 888-567-8688 to have your name removed from the marketing lists sold by the major credit bureaus for two years, or removed permanently.
• Do not give out personal information over the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you have initiated contact or know the business with which you are dealing. Legitimate companies and government agencies don't ask for this information via email or the phone. If you are concerned about your account, contact the organization using a telephone number you know to be genuine. (Note: often the criminals searching for your personal information are sophisticated enough to link to actual websites that make it appear legitimate.)
• Never put your account information on the outside of an envelope or on a postcard.
• Cut up old or expired credit cards. Close all inactive credit card and bank accounts. Even though you do not use them, these accounts appear on your credit report and may be used by thieves.
• For your ATM card, choose a Personal Identification Number (PIN) different from your address, telephone number, middle name, the last four digits of your Social Security number, your birth date or any other information that could be easily discovered by thieves.
• Memorize your PIN; do not write it on your ATM card or keep it written on a piece of paper somewhere in your wallet. Statistics show that in many instances of ATM card fraud, cardholders wrote their PINs on their ATM cards or on slips of paper kept with their wallets or purses.
• Keep personal information in a safe place. If you employ outside help or are having service work done in your home, keep your personal information out of sight.
• Order a copy of your credit report from the three credit reporting agencies at least once every year to review your file for possible fraud. In Illinois, they are required to provide you with one free report each year.

Should you discover or suspect identity fraud take action right away. Remember to keep records of all your telephone calls and other correspondence with companies regarding the identity fraud. File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place. Keep a copy of the police report and make note of the date of your report, in case your bank, credit card company or other company needs proof of the crime.

Mail

Your work mail will be delivered to your department. Your personal mail should be directed to your home address. The United States Postal Service (USPS) website offers many services and locations of local post offices. All mail in the United States must include a zip code. Postage stamps for mailing within the US can be purchased at post offices as well as most supermarkets, pharmacies and the Argonne Credit Union. For mailing outside of the US or for mailing larger envelopes or packages visit your local post office or purchase and print postage and shipping labels on-line. The USPS will hold your mail at the local post office when you are on vacation or a business trip free of charge. Simply register the time you will be leaving and when you want mail delivery to resume. Also free is the mail forwarding service should you be moving within the United Sates.

Visas

The Human Resources Division the Laboratory will assist you to obtain work visas for temporary appointments (excluding special term appointments). In addition, the Laboratory sponsors adjustments to U.S. permanent resident status for regular staff employees.

The most common temporary visa classifications sponsored by the Laboratory include the J-1, for Exchange Visitors, and the H-1B, for Temporary Workers in Specialty Occupations. For more information about the variety of visas, including the process for applying for a permanent residence status (green card) check the government web sites: www.uscis.gov , www.greencardplus.com or call the National Customer Service Center at 800-375-5283. As a permanent Argonne employee, you are not authorized to sign on behalf of, or represent Argonne National Laboratory for immigration purposes. You must process visa petitions and/or any correspondence to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of State, Department of Labor, and other federal agencies through the Argonne Visa Office. Failure to comply will result in Laboratory disciplinary action and possible federal prosecution.

Consulates in Chicago

Many foreign governments have representatives in the Chicago area. Listings may be found in the Chicago Yellow Pages under “Consulates and Foreign Government Representatives."

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