| Comment Number: | 531096-00285 |
| Received: | 9/5/2007 4:17:31 PM |
| Organization: | Hammett Investigative Services, LLC |
| Commenter: | Thomas Hammett |
| State: | VA |
| Agency: | Federal Trade Commission |
| Rule: | Private Sector Use of SSNs |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
I am a private investigator licensed in three jurisdictions. I am professional and ethical and take the utmost care in the gathering, analyzing and the dissemination of information. Obtaining SSN'S is absolutely an essential investigative tool in my business. Without legitimate access to these numbers the private investigative business, as a whole, more than likely would cease to exist. Legitimate companies such as mine provide an invaluable service to corporations, individuals and even law enforcement agencies.It would be nearly impossible to locate individuals in child custody cases, missing persons, service of judgments, summons and court subpoenas. Without legitimate access to an SSN which is unique identifier determining the correct person becomes nearly impossible. Where fraud, and abuse are found I am very much behind severe sacantions for those who are found guilty but please do not apply the specific to the general. I urge that a common sense approach be taken in this matter and that access not be denied to legitimate use of SSN'S by the private investigative sector. I would recommend that proprietary information providers be held to very strict standards and regulations regarding the collection and dissemination of SSN'S. Please do not provide a "bullet proof vest" for those seeking to evade or break the law or other responsibilities.