Employees Sue over ID Numbers
Nine employees of Union Pacific Railroad have filed suit against their employer claiming the business put them at risk of Identity Theft. The employees claim the rail carrier, by using Social Security Number (SSN) as a computer search criteria, had exposed private personal information.
Many companies find it easier to use SSNs as an identifier, since it was already being used to file quarterly tax payments. Many insurance companies did the same, and many hospitals used the number for medical records. The health industry regulated by HIPAA is obligated to change this identifier. Most health insurance companies have complied by the January 1, 2006 deadline.
Even though Union Pacific does not use SSNs as an employee identification number, when an employee searches the company database for work schedules or insurance information, the number is required as a password to gain access.
The transportation company did disclose to its 30,000 employees the theft of personal computer from an employee’s home. The computer contained employee data including SSN. The company notified employees and retirees, offering to pay for one year of a credit monitoring service.
Social Security Number is considered by identity thieves to be the Holy Grail, as the crook can gain complete access to the victim’s financial history, and apply for new credit posing as the individual. The employees contend that the company should only use SSN for tax purposes.
This lawsuit may just be the beginning of many as some companies, schools, and health care facilities still use SSN as the primary identifier. Every consumer should review all identification material and ask any provider that uses SSN to find an alternative unique identifier.
Many companies find it easier to use SSNs as an identifier, since it was already being used to file quarterly tax payments. Many insurance companies did the same, and many hospitals used the number for medical records. The health industry regulated by HIPAA is obligated to change this identifier. Most health insurance companies have complied by the January 1, 2006 deadline.
Even though Union Pacific does not use SSNs as an employee identification number, when an employee searches the company database for work schedules or insurance information, the number is required as a password to gain access.
The transportation company did disclose to its 30,000 employees the theft of personal computer from an employee’s home. The computer contained employee data including SSN. The company notified employees and retirees, offering to pay for one year of a credit monitoring service.
Social Security Number is considered by identity thieves to be the Holy Grail, as the crook can gain complete access to the victim’s financial history, and apply for new credit posing as the individual. The employees contend that the company should only use SSN for tax purposes.
This lawsuit may just be the beginning of many as some companies, schools, and health care facilities still use SSN as the primary identifier. Every consumer should review all identification material and ask any provider that uses SSN to find an alternative unique identifier.
posted by skgroner | 7:29 AM
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