The increasing use of Social Security numbers to electronically steal the identity of victims prompted Congress to conduct hearings last week, said Rep. Mac Collins.

Collins, who represents Fayette, serves on the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security, which conducted hearings in the use of Social Security numbers by criminals to steal a person's identity. Thieves use the number to either directly enter the victim's credit card and savings accounts, or to take out loans, telephone numbers and credit cards in a victim's name.

Before the victim realizes it, huge debts can be run up. Surveys show that the average victim is stuck with over $18,000 in debts, and has to spend 175 hours to clear up the problems.

“Identity theft using Social Security numbers is a growing problem, so the subcommittee decided to hold a series of hearings to determine the scope of the problem and begin looking at possible solutions,” Collins said.

Collins participated in the hearings Tuesday, and chaired much of the Thursday hearing. The subcommittee heard from victims of identity theft, as well as experts from consumer groups, industry groups and the government, and the Social Security Administration's inspector general, James G. Huse.

The experts discussed how the numbers are used legitimately and how they are abused. Stalkers have acquired Social Security numbers to track down victims. -

In a widely publicized incident, Amy Boyer of New Hampshire was stalked and killed by a former 10th grade classmate after he obtained information about her from the Internet.

“This is an issue of great importance to a great many persons due to the issue of obtaining credit for fraudulent purposes,” Collins said. “The Social Security Subcommittee will continue to examine this issue and weigh the various approaches offered to protect us all from those who try to steal our Social Security numbers.”