US contradicts itself over its own ID theft advice

[Terri]

By LARRY MARGASAK
Associated Press
July 2, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) -- When it comes to the risks of identity theft, the U.S. government isn't taking its own advice.

The nation's Medicare agency and the Pentagon compel at least 52 million Americans to carry their Social Security numbers in their wallets, contrary to warnings by the Federal Trade Commission that people should avoid doing so.

At least 44 million Medicare insurance cards include the beneficiary's full Social Security number.

Social Security numbers also appear on 8 million Defense Department identity cards used by active duty and reserve forces and their dependents, and on identification cards issued to military retirees. The Pentagon plans to remove the numbers but won't complete the effort until 2014.

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[thomas]

I don't know what current social security cards look like but the one I was issued stated very clearly "NOT BE USED FOR IDENTIFICATION." Now you can't even rent a movie without revealing it.
The Old Chief

[schillerbjr]

Our "government" is in CHAOS!! The people in
governemt are "IDIOTS"!

[candles]

I don't know what current social security cards look like but the one I was issued stated very clearly "NOT BE USED FOR IDENTIFICATION." Now you can't even rent a movie without revealing it.

Here in my neck of the woods they ask to see your drivers license or other form of ID.

I stopped carring my S.S. card years ago, it is locked up in our home safe.

If someone ask for my S.S. No. I tell then and tell them they are not suppose to be asking for that info unless they need it because you are a new employ or the Government.