Politicking Over Privacy

Everyone hates identity theft, even Congress. That’s why they’ve proposed “The Social Security Number Privacy and Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2007,” or H.R.3046 (Read Dimitri’s further analysis on H.R.3046 here).

The bill intends to reduce identity theft by restricting the sale, purchase and public display of Social Security numbers by government and business.

Two questions: first, when was the last time you received a statement containing your Social Security number? Second, what’s at greater risk of theft, your SSN or your credit card number?

With history as my guide – I’ve had three credit card numbers stolen – I’d say your credit card or bank account information were much more likely candidates.

But it would seem those in Congress disagree. The 2008 election cycle is looming and the combination of fear and Social Security numbers should roil some voters. I’m sure we haven’t heard the last of H.R.3046. As many a politico knows, nothing stirs the masses quite like identity theft!

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