ITRC Solution 22 –
Medicare Cards and Social Security Numbers
Many consumers complain that while they remove their Social Security cards from their wallets, the Social Security Number is still on their Medicare cards.
The ITRC would like to make the following recommendation. Not only could this tip keep an identity thief from getting your number, but it may also save your life one day.
- Photocopy your Medicare card, front and back.
- Put your original card in a safe, locked area. Only carry it with you on the days you KNOW you will need it.
- Using scissors cut the photocopies of your Medicare card down to wallet size, cutting off the last four (4) numbers of your Social Security Number.
- Staple these two business card size papers together, adding a third blank paper to the packet. On this blank sheet, write down following:
- Emergency contact with the name and phone number of a person who can be reached in the event of an emergency. Your emergency contact person should have a sheet of paper with the last 4 numbers of your Social Security number and the following:
- Your pertinent medical history
- The name of your doctors
- A list of all the prescriptions you take, including over-the-counter pills.
This Solution should not be used in lieu of legal advice. Any requests to reproduce this material, other than by individual victims or their
own use, should be directed to
ITRC@idtheftcenter.org
.
This project was supported by Grant No. 2007-VF-GX-K038 awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Points of view in this document are those of the ITRC and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Copyright 2010, Identity Theft Resource Center ®, Created by the ITRC staff