Mary Jean Kuda asked:


Social Security has been one of the country’s most successful programs. It aids people from financial uncertainty especially in their trying times.

The program provides several protections such as:

•    progressive benefit formula

•    comprehensive insurance benefits that include disability

•    survivors and retirement benefits

•    spouses’ benefits

•    a cost of living adjustment

•    coverage until death

These protections will be placed at risk if fraud related claims continue to spoil Social Security.

Identity theft using the Social Security numbers (SSNs) is one of the common Social Security frauds that have been weakening the program.

History on the Use of Social Security Numbers

SSNs were first issued in 1936. The federal government assured the public that the use of the numbers would be restricted to Social Security programs such as calculating retirement benefits.

Today, however, SSN has become the de facto general identifier.

Government agencies and private businesses use SSNs even for a wide range of non-Social Security purposes. These purposes include:

•    employee files

•    medical records

•    health insurance accounts

•    credit and banking accounts,

•    university ID cards

•    utility accounts

The use of SSNs as both an identifier and an authenticator makes these numbers highly desirable to fraudulent acts, such as identity theft.

Social Security Fraud by Using SSN

Identity fraud is not all about money. The persistent use of SSNs as an identification mechanism gives the thieves many options.

Identity thieves seek SSNs so they can use these numbers to assume the identity of another person and commit fraud.

A thief can fraudulently use your SSN to assume your identity and gain access not only to your Social Security information but also to your bank accounts, credit accounts, utilities records, and other sources of personal information.

They can also establish new credit and bank accounts in your name, use your SSN for employment purposes or obtain medical care.

How to Prevent Identity Theft

Official efforts are under way to restrict use of SSNs. For instance, the Social Security Administration shortens SSNs on the benefit statements it mails each year.

While essential information can be acquired in credit card, bank accounts and other documents, SSNs are the most common way of getting personal information.

In California, for instance, a birth certificate (or many other types of documents) and a valid SSN are required to get driver’s license or identification card.

The following steps are essential in reducing identity theft using SSNs:

•    Protect your SSN. Provide it only when necessary such as in tax forms, employment records, most banking, stock and property transactions. The SSN is the key to your credit and banking accounts and is the prime target of thieves.

•    If business or establishment requests your SSN, ask if you can use another number instead.

•    Do not have your SSN printed on your checks. Do not let merchants write the SSN onto your checks because of the risk of fraud.

•    Do not utter your SSN aloud when you are in a public place. Speak softly or write it down on a piece of paper instead. Be sure to retrieve and shred that paper after use.

•    Check your Social Security Personal Earnings and Benefits Estimate Statement each year to check for fraud.

•    Do not carry your SSN card in your wallet except for emergencies.

•    Do not carry wallet cards that display the SSN such as insurance cards, except when needed to receive healthcare services.

Theft identity entails a lot of damage. If you are a victim of it, consult a Social Security fraud attorney to help you in your tedious legal battle ahead.



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Peter Drummond asked:


The Treasury Department, in conjunction with Comerica Bank based in Dallas, has created a social security Direct Express Debit MasterCard as an alternative to paper checks for those persons who do not have bank accounts. The debit card is now available in ten southern states, but is on its way toward the north and western states. Missouri social security lawyers are ready to answer clients’ questions regarding the pros and cons of using this free debit card that will be an option in the coming months. 

The Advantages of the Direct Express Debit MasterCard:

- Will help about 4 million Americans who do not have a bank account, and must receive paper checks.

- Will reduce the vulnerability of check fraud

- Dramatically help the delay of checks mailed in hurricane-ridden states such as Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi

- No sign-up fees

- No monthly fees

- No overdraft fees

- No credit check is required to enroll

- Gain access to cash via an ATM, bank teller or retailer

- Set up free “low balance” alerts via email or phone 

While the advantages look appealing with all the “freebies” and usability, Missouri social security lawyers remind their clients to read the fine print. The same holds true for SSA’s new debit card because there are still fees associated with the little plastic card that all people should be aware of. Nothing is a “one-for-all” payment plan, so be sure to read the small print at the bottom of the agreement for this debit card, even if you have to use those extra strength reading glasses. 

The Disadvantages of the Direct Express Debit MasterCard:

- ATM fees – users can make one free withdrawal from a network ATM per month; all other ATM withdrawals within the network will cost 90 cents.

- Non-network ATM use will incur the 90 cent fee in addition to the surcharge of the other bank, which can be as much as 3 dollars per cash withdrawal.

- Social security debit cards are costly to use outside the U.S. ATM withdrawals can incur both a bank fee as well as 3 percent of the amount withdrawn. Debit purchases also cost an additional 3 percent of your total amount. Your best bet is to use your one month free withdrawal from a network ATM before you travel abroad or to Mexico or Canada and exchange it for the country’s currency.

- Paper statements cost 75 cents a month. Best option is to receive them via email and print them yourself.

- Online billing from Comerica will also incur a 50 cent per bill charge. Use the merchant’s Website to make payments or purchases online.

- Only 1 free replacement card each year; additional replacements cost $4.00, or $13.50 if you require an overnight delivery. 

Obviously many people have several concerns about the fees and limitations of the SSA’s alternative payment system. Even those folks who have not started receiving social security have voiced their disdain about such a program. While others are simply concerned about the amount of social security they receive or may receive in the future to cover daily living expenses such as heat, electricity, food and medical bills. What happens when their monthly checks run out before the end of the month or they require more money to cover unforeseen medical bills? How will the social security administration help those who need it most? 

If you need further information or have greater concerns with this new system, your Missouri social security lawyers are just a phone call away.



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