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Re: [ranchos] Identity Theft Considerations

 
I definitely agree that living persons' information should not be included in the trees, but the names may be shared if the individual wishes.  However, once a person dies, their SSN becomes public information.  Rootsweb.com has a database with thousands (millions?) of SSNs and names, along with birthdates and death dates.  The Social Security Death Index is updated monthly, so my grandpa's death was noted within two months of his passing.  The files section is limited to members only, but there is nothing to stop a non-member from going to rootsweb.com and discovering the SSNs of those who have recently passed.  The privacy rights cover SSNs of living individuals, but even then, your SSN is easily accessible--  think about how many times and in how many places you have revealed your number.  I always assume that many people will see mine.  I am as selective as I can be, and I have heard many stories about how casually people treat their information.  However, a determined thief may uncover your number.  Just be cautious and alert!
 
Rosalinda   


-----Original Message-----
From: Joseph Puentes
Sent: May 26, 2005 9:29 AM
To: ranchos@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [ranchos] Identity Theft Considerations

Well I see your point and I'd like to thank you for bringing up the issue.

I can only say that everyone should submit that with which they believe
they can live with in regards to a clear identity theft threat
conscience. If anyone wants to modify their files deleting maiden names
of the mothers of those that are living please do so or ask and we'll
work on it together.

With respect to SS#'s I don't know what to say about that one. I know my
grandparents had SS#'s but I can't figure out what kind of mischief 
someone could create if they were to discover their numbers.

Natalie if you or anyone else in the group could give some practical
examples it might help give more urgency as to why we should eliminate
the names of those that have or had SS#'s.

thanks,

joseph


Natalie wrote:

>What about a person (parent/grandparent) who has died in the past few
>years, and had a SS# - if that person is listed on your tree, along
>with maiden name of mother ... seems I've read that that is enough
>information for someone to perpetuate some kind of fraud or other ID
>theft problem (well - some use even less information I suppose). This
>is what I am concerned about.
>Thanks all for your thoughts on this matter.
>
>Natalie
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