MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Representatives from the Federal Trade Commission reported that identity theft topped their list of complaints received in 2003 with nearly 215,000 complaints, a 33 percent increase from the previous year.
In light of this growing trend, Leave and Earning Statements for service members and DoD civilians, as well as paychecks for military retirees, eliminated a few key numbers.
Many service members probably already noticed that the Defense Finance and Accounting Service dropped the first five numbers of a person's social security number from all LESs and pay checks to guard against identity theft, which the FTC estimated affected one in eight U.S. adults in 2003.
"The changes apply to everyone," according to Bryan Hubbard, spokesman for DFAS, who added that the proposal "originated internally and will be phased in over the next couple of pay periods."
Identity theft is when someone uses your name and information, such as social security number, credit card number, or other identifying information, to commit fraud or other crimes.
Once identity thieves obtain enough personal information, they can use it to apply for loans, open up a new credit card account, establish a phone or wireless service, or even open a bank account and write bad checks, leaving victims with marred credit that can take years to resolve.
Researchers determined that identity theft is a growing crime, with a significant increase in cases reported during the past three years.
"Identity theft is more widespread and pernicious than previously realized," said Betsy Broder, assistant director of Planning and Information for the FTC.
As a result, FTC representatives said they will continue to remain vigilant in protecting consumers from identity theft by collecting complaints and providing victim assistance throughout their Web site located on the Web at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.
"It's a battle trying to keep up with the people who want to break into your personal information system," added Bill Knepp, manager for Navy Federal Credit Union aboard the Depot.
Knepp said NFCU has taken similar steps by dropping the first 12 numbers of a person's card number off all transaction receipts.
The Social Security Administration has also begun taking steps to prevent identity theft by removing the first five numbers of a person's social security number from the millions of checks it issues.
Anyone who suspects that someone else is using their social security number should report the problem to the Social Security Administration by calling their fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271, or by logging on to their Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov.