If you haven't read Robert's Blog for today you should. The GAO just released their report on identity theft and the public record.
The GAO Recognizes The ID Theft Problem

Here are some key points in the GAO report.

"Online access to electronic record images provides potentially
unlimited access to the content of records, including SSNs and
other personal identifying information."

"Identity theft has been traced to personal identifying information
accessed in public records."

"When records are sold in bulk or made available on the Internet, it is unknown how and by whom the records, and the personal identifying information contained in them, are used."

In addition the report exposes the ridiculous notion that removing part of a person's social security number will protect them once the county has published the records online.

"Both Full SSNs and Truncated SSNs Can Potentially Be Used to Commit Identity Theft"

Robert's blog provides a great analyses and a link to the GAO's 47 page report.


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