Date: Thu, Aug 24, 2000 4:00 PM
Subject: Identity Theft

While handling some business for my father I noticed that his HMO insurance company uses his Social Security Number for his member identification number. This is a two sided sword that can cut the member deeply: Firstly, the member is exposed to those with fraudulent intent and, secondly the member is fair game for collection agencies when the insurance company delays in paying the bill in what the service provider considers to be a timely manner. This practice should be outlawed. My father is a senior citizen on Medicare, and I shudder to think who has his Social Security Number now without his knowledge. He is not likely to keep abreast of issues such as identity theft, which increases his potential for victimization. Please advise