vpFREE2 Forums

W2Gs and social security

#1

Word of advice given to me by an officer of the law (also a gamer) regarding
carrying your SS card with you: if possible, do not put it in your wallet
with your other IDs like your DL (same officer-make them take your SS # off
your license immediately, and also check your health insurance card as they are
not supposed to use your SS # as your member # but many do). It does make it
a little more difficult for identity theft if you lose your wallet (or have
it stolen)and they do not get your SS# as well. For women, this is a bit
easier than men as with a purse you can stick your SS card in another place. For
men, it may be more of a challenge.

Word of advice from an airport "redcap": get a state ID and use it for
travel purposes (or W-2Gs) rather than your driver's license as if you don't get
it back at the airport (all that showing your ID means lots of lost IDs) your
trip is not ruined as it would be if you lost your DL.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

#2

easier than men as with a purse you can stick your SS card in

another place. For

men, it may be more of a challenge.

If a thief wants to, they will steal the whole purse. So where do
women place the id, if not in the purse? :slight_smile: Thiefs have also been
known to slice the bottom of the purse with a modest distraction
nearby, say a fountain or pirate show. I don't think I would leave
important ID in a purse.

As for me, my kilt has 8-10 inch front pockets and I seriouslly doubt
anyone can get to the bottom of the pocket without me noticing.

dittoing all the DO NOT carry any ID with SSN on it. Force them to
give you a different number, if possible. I have.
dipy911

#3

VERY GOOD advice, Dori !

I never thought about getting a state ID card to carry for airport
check-in, but I'm certainly going to inquire about getting one now.
I can then leave my DL at home when traveling by air. Thanks for an
excellent suggestion.

I know that in Illinois, you can request that your SS# be left off
your DL. I don't know whether this is possible in all states.
Certainly, wherever this option is available, everyone should
request that their SS# be deleted. The two most important pieces
of information, which criminals use in identity theft, are SS and DL
numbers.

When I am traveling I always keep important cards (and extra money)
in the small zippered compartment, inside my purse. I never keep
anything important in my wallet.

I also will not use a purse with a top zipper. It is far too easy
for a pickpocket to grab your wallet if he can slide the zipper open.
If the purse has a flap, over the top, that fastens down, it is
extremely difficult for a thief to remove your wallet.

Regarding heath insurance cards: Demand an ID card that does not
contain your SS#. Blue Cross/Blue Shield, in many states, has
assigned new member #'s, that do not contain your SS#. All insurance
companies should follow suit. Make a fuss about it if necessary.

Actually, unless you are traveling, there is no good reason to carry
your private insurance or Medicare card with you. Your regular
health care providers already have copies, in their files. If you
go to a new provider or hospital, you only need to bring the card at
your first visit. Even in an emergency, a hospital will take your
information verbally, until someone can bring them your documents.

I do think that, to avoid the threat of identity theft, as many
counter measures as possible should be taken.

Babe

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--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, Opzop2wah@a... wrote:

Word of advice given to me by an officer of the law (also a gamer)
regarding carrying your SS card with you: if possible, do not put it
in your wallet............make them take your SS # off your
license .......check your health insurance card as they are not
supposed to use your SS # as your member #........

                             <snip>

............ get a state ID and use it for travel purposes (or W-
2Gs) rather than your driver's license (all that showing your ID
means lots of lost IDs).............

#4

If a thief wants to, they will steal the whole purse........

···

--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "dipy911" <dipy911@y...> wrote:

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I would hope that all women know that it is prudent to carry a
purse, criss-crossed over your shoulder, and directly in FRONT of
you. I do believe that a thief would by-pass a purse carried in
this fashion, and concentrate on easier prey. There are plenty of
women walking around on the streets of LV, with their purses
dangling loosely at their sides, sometimes even hanging OPEN. I
have personally advised many of these gals to close their purses.
This is just inviting disaster!
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As for me, my kilt has 8-10 inch front pockets and I seriouslly
doubt anyone can get to the bottom of the pocket without me noticing.

dipy911
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If it's an attractive young female thief, you may notice, but decide
that you don't mind so much after all! (-: