| Comment Number: | 531096-00002 |
| Received: | 7/31/2007 9:57:06 AM |
| Organization: | The First National Bank of McConnelsville |
| Commenter: | Daniel L. Brown |
| State: | OH |
| Agency: | Federal Trade Commission |
| Rule: | Private Sector Use of SSNs |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
I recall when I first received my Social Security Number and Card, the year was 1965. I recall that it was issued with an original and a tear-away duplicate. I was instructed to carry the original in my wallet and to keep the duplicate in a safe place at home. I recall that the social security card stated in plain language across the bottom, (1) "Not to be used for purposes of identification". The duplicate copy of the card also stated that if the original card was lost to (2) simply take the duplicate card to the Social Security Office and a replacement would be issued immediately. Both of the items above, e.g. (1) and (2) are a farce. Niether is true in reality. I think that the original spirit of the law regarding issuance of social security numbers and cards was that the security number should not be used for anything other than Social Security record purposes. However, virtually anyone dealing with someone that was otherwise unknown to them realized that the social security number is a unique number and thus is ideal for ID purposes. It is a great way for banks to positively ID customers. In regards to obtaining a replacement of my original (lost) card, using the duplicate card, by simply visiting my local Social Security Office, that is NO longer true. I had to apply for, and wait about 10 days for a replacement. In order to renew my driver license, I had to produce a Social Security Card (the Ohio BMV would NOT accept my duplicate card). I had to obtain an official certified copy of my birth certificate (which was not cheap) and produce a copy of my military DD form 214 that contained both my date of birth and my social security number, as well as my military sercice number before the BMV would renew my driver license (I'm 57 years old and have been a licensed driver continuously in Ohio since I was 16 years old and have a spotless driving record, which carried no weight with them at all). It was a nightmare. Again, the Ohio BMV was using the social security number as a means of ID. I understand also that there are those who sell access to social security nubmers. That should be an illegal act, it servies no litigitimate purpose in my opinion. Why should I not be able to produce other means of positive ID for myself, in lieu of a social security nubmer (or card)? Why should I not be able to simply rattle off my military ID (which no prior military person I know ever has forgotten). I understand now thought that the military quit using a separate ID and instead now uses a person's social security number as a their military ID (a mistake if you ask me).