Social Security Number Fraud Prevention Act Report

In order to comply with the Act’s prohibition on the inclusion of a full Social Security number (SSN) in documents sent by mail, unless expressly identified as necessary by the Secretary, the DHS Privacy Office plans to implement a multi-phased effort to identify, inventory, analyze, and restructure the use of SSNs in mailed correspondence at the Department. This report describes that effort.

Additionally, the Department, led by the DHS Privacy Office, will use this opportunity to conduct a holistic review of its approach to the use of SSNs in an effort to further reduce the collection, maintenance, and use of this sensitive personal identifier. While the Department’s approach goes beyond what the Act requires, it will aid the Department in reducing the unnecessary collection and use of SSNs.