Local
Sen. Duff praises identity theft prevention measure
By Senator Duff's office
Jun 17, 2008 - 1:10:57 PM

Governor signs bill to keep Social Security numbers confidential

Legislation signed into law this week will help prevent identity theft in the state of Connecticut by limiting the collection of Social Security numbers, a move that state Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), today praised.

“Every year, 500,000 to 700,000 Americans become new victims of identity theft. It’s still considered our country’s fastest growing crime,” said Senator Duff. “Five years ago, the Connecticut General Assembly took strong action to protect residents and prevent identity theft by restricting the public display of social security numbers. Legislation passed this year expands upon that effort. We know that the less Social Security numbers are used for non-Social Security and tax purposes, the less identity theft is seen. This action will continue to help reduce identity theft crimes in Connecticut. I was very proud to support this measure, and I’m very pleased that the governor has signed it into law.”

Public Act 08-167, An Act Concerning the Confidentiality of Social Security Numbers, prohibits any person, firm, corporation or other entity—other than the state—from requiring an individual to provide his or her Social Security number as a condition of leasing, purchasing or receiving products, goods or services, with certain exceptions.

The bill exempts 1) products or services provided by insurance companies, or state or federally licensed financial service institutions; the provision of or billing for health care or pharmaceutical-related services and identification cards; credit card applications; and products and services provided by utility companies.

The penalty for willfully violating the new law—which takes effect on January 1, 2009—is a fine of up to $100 for the first offense; up to $500 for the second offense; and up to $1,000, six months in prison or both for each subsequent offense.

The legislation was approved 36-to-0 in the state Senate and 149-to-0 in the House of Representatives during the regular legislative session.

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