Protecting address and social security numbers

Just getting into the caregiver thing and I'm my own patient. The form shows your address and social security number, how do you protect yourself from ID theft?

How do you guys handle this? I'm asking because I plan on have patients and I may not know them that well. Help. Tell me how you protect your ID

Don't know how you handle that, but I've wondered about that too. I'm a caregiver to friends so it's not problem, but what about people you meet at compassion clubs? The form asks for social security numbers and birth dates. Mailing address is not your home address so that's not an issue.

I'd like to know the answer to this too.

Its not really something to worry about is it? What can someone do with a social security number? not much I dont think, your social security number is not a gateway to anything really...IDK just doesnt bother me...you could always black it out on your copies

I guess you are right. You just hear all these stories about stolen ID and SS# being a very big piece. I guess if I'm going to worry maybe I should worry about someone in blue at my door.

well I would think someone would need other things before your SS # would be very helpfull, most important birth certificate and drivers license. It could help them to get drivers license if they already had your birth certificate and another ID but just having your # doesnt do much..all you need is a drivers license to get a new social security card so eh...social security number and cards is the most insecure really so I dont think they put a lot of weight on it. I work in the medical field and we verbally give social security number over the phone with other providers and this is not even a HIPPA violation, while other information that are even less sensitive are a violation (hippa is very strict)...It is a good idea to protect it thou I am sure your correct, I would carry a copy that has it blacked out - this is a good idea and I will do it with my papers

Thanks for a little peace of mind. I agree just a # is not enough, I think I'm just a tad bit insecure about what I'm doing. I have better things to worry about... and they are dressed in blue.

deprave said:

Its not really something to worry about is it? What can someone do with a social security number? not much I dont think, your social security number is not a gateway to anything really...IDK just doesnt bother me...you could always black it out on your copies

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Not true. If you have someones name and SS# you can pretty much screw them over. I was a victim of identity theft recently, and it was a nightmare. The people who stole it were able to fill out credit applications at Home Depot, Target, Sams Club, and Toys R'Us using a fake ID, my name, home address, SS#, and home phone number. All told they scammed about $10,000 worth of merchandise in a 3 day shopping spree before I was ever notified. The cop that was assigned to my case said it's the fastest growing crime in the US, and less than 5% of these guys ever get caught.

Fudgie said:

Just getting into the caregiver thing and I'm my own patient. The form shows your address and social security number, how do you protect yourself from ID theft?

How do you guys handle this? I'm asking because I plan on have patients and I may not know them that well. Help. Tell me how you protect your ID

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My patients black out their SS# on the application. The attorney I consulted said this was fine.

stowandgrow said:

My patients black out their SS# on the application. The attorney I consulted said this was fine.

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Are you saying that when a patient gives me their filled out form with their info blacked out with the doctors information I can fill in my info and then send it in with no problem?

Is the caregiver the one to send in the form?

I've filled out my form as a caregiver and I'm the patient, so I understand doing it for myself.

Please let me know exactly how to do it without releasing my information.

Thanks, Fudgie

Id like to see someone steal my identity, fucking bill collectors will be swarming on them.
I cant get a loan to save my life..lol

my id i shit so no one would steal it.
with you ss# i could look up you mothers maiden name and your place of birth and date. then its easy to ask the county records for my(really your) birth records. with a copy of your birth certificate i could mail out for a "new" ss card and with those two things you can do anything

Fudgie said:

Are you saying that when a patient gives me their filled out form with their info blacked out with the doctors information I can fill in my info and then send it in with no problem?

Is the caregiver the one to send in the form?

I've filled out my form as a caregiver and I'm the patient, so I understand doing it for myself.

Please let me know exactly how to do it without releasing my information.

Thanks, Fudgie

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put your dl# in and note that it is your dl# for id theft reasons. not sure on the legal standing of that but the ss# it to make sure you are this john smith not any other john smith and the DL# would do the same thing. you may have to call your local LEO and find out if thats ok