If I have heard it once, I have heard it a thousand times, “Don’t use the same password for all your accounts.” Sound advice. Unfortunately, by law, we effectively must use one password issued by the Social Security Administration. That is right. I have a Social Security Number and so do most people. And, as the sound advice above suggests, if someone has my SSN, it is very easy for them to steal my identity.

Now let’s see. My hospital has the number. My bank has the number. Many of those who dealt with me when I was in the Marines conceivably have my number, as my SSN was also my service number. At one time, I was actually required to put my SSN on my mail, on the envelope, on the outside, for everyone to see. I’m surprised that no one stole a bunch of IDs when that first came about.

I don’t know how we solve the problem. I’m not sure the Feds want it solved. After all, it isn’t their problem. Besides, I think those in power like controlling everyone with one number from infancy till death. They likely find it far easier, same as us using one number for all our accounts. They use but one number to keep track of us all.

However, there is one possibility, maybe two. I heard a suggestion for passwords that just might work for SSNs; Use the same number as now, but with the addition of 3, maybe 4 letters. The letters would be easy to remember. Only the feds and the person would know these four letters. If a situation arises where someone is using a questionable number, the rightful person could simply identify himself with the letters. The imposter could go to jail.

The second would be similar but the different. The person with the number would suggest a phrase, maybe as many as 10 or 15 words. The words would be easy to remember, easier than the numbers in the previous idea. The phrase would be used similarly.

Actually, there is another way, simpler. Shoot anyone steeling someone else’s ID. I guarantee that would work.

Okay. I agree. That is extreme. Let’s not go that far. Nonetheless, we need to make sure these thieves pay the price. It needs to be divided into 3 groups. There are those who make the theft possible, for instance those producing false IDs, credit cards, or the like. There are those who use the counterfeit products and then there are those who use the products for their personal gain.

Each, when caught, should be punished severely. I would suggest 10 to 20 years. It is far worse than the theft of money. If people are caught and punished as such, the ID thievery would greatly decrease.

Is it going to happen? I doubt it. It seems those who have the power to manage such things aren’t interested. It doesn’t benefit the lawyers and, at this point, it has not gotten enough noise. As they say, the squeaky gear gets the oil. So, until something is done, may I suggest you be very careful with your SSN, well as much as you can.