Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09STATE88372
2009-08-25 12:38:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Secretary of State
Cable title:
LEXISNEXIS GUIDANCE ON IDENTITY THEFT
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 088372
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC CPAS KFRD CPPT CVIS
SUBJECT: LEXISNEXIS GUIDANCE ON IDENTITY THEFT
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 088372
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC CPAS KFRD CPPT CVIS
SUBJECT: LEXISNEXIS GUIDANCE ON IDENTITY THEFT
1. When it comes to identity theft, it is often
difficult to interpret results using LexisNexis. Many
of the same factors that indicate identity theft can
simply be a mistake or a legitimate association that is
difficult to spot. Below are some guidelines to help
consular officers interpret the data and suggestions on
actions to take.
2. CA's access to LexisNexis includes U.S. records
only. While it is often useful for research on persons
who have been in the United States for extended periods
of time, whether or not they are U.S. citizens, it is
important to remember that LexisNexis does not contain
information from outside the United States.
3. Remember that LexisNexis identifies only
associations, not ownership. The comprehensive reports
in LexisNexis do not indicate who specifically has a
certain Social Security Number (SSN) or who specifically
is using a certain Social Security Number. LexisNexis
is a data aggregator which associates different data
points, so overlap with more than one identity is
unavoidable. It is therefore not only possible, but
common, for roommates or relatives to be associated with
one anothers' SSNs.
4. As a result, it is possible for a SSN association to
be a product of nearly any situation. For example, an
associated SSN can come from a shared address, even an
address associated in error. Often, a fair amount of
research is required to determine which associations are
meaningful. Several tools are useful in this endeavor.
5. Relavint: The Relavint visual mapping tool can be
very helpful in noting where identities are associated
with one another. The Relavint icon is immediately next
to the order report icon where search results are
displayed. Relavint may make some connections
automatically that the human eye does not see. You may
notice, for example, that two people share an
association with a common address or car registration.
6. Address History: Multiple, incomplete, and/or gaps
in address may suggest identity theft. When a SSN is
being used by more than one person, it may cause the
information aggregator to list more than one address for
a person during a distinct period of time, or to have
gaps where there is no address at all. Alternately, it
is possible that the history will display a series of
address moves back and forth beween two addresses in
relatively quick succession. This is because the
aggregator is receiving conflicting information and gets
"confused."
7. Conflicting information that gives the aggregator
problems is often a sign that two people are using the
same identity. For example, a person could show a
consistent address history in New Jersey since 1970, but
for the period 2003-present, shows addresses in both New
Jersey and in Utah. This may suggest that a second
person in Utah is using the person's SSN. If an
individual has a complete address history with little
overlap, this suggests that identity theft is not an
issue.
8. Vastly Different SSNs: If an individual has more
than one SSN and the numbers clearly have no relation to
one another, this is a possible indication of identity
theft. However, individuals are often associated if
they have similar SSNs due to data entry errors on the
part of credit agencies. For example, consider one
individual with two SSNs: 333-33-3339 and 333-33-3336.
While we cannot rule out identity theft, "9" and "6" are
extremely close together on a numeric keypad, and this
kind of data entry error is common.
9. Source Documents: Identity information in
LexisNexis is based on source documentation that it is
able to collect or purchase. The fewer source documents
listed at the bottom of a LexisNexis report, the better
the chance that, if there are multiple identities tied
to one SSN, it is a mistake. For example, let's say
that an SSN is attached to two identities: the first
identity has a long, well developed, and complete
address history with 25 source documents, and the second
identity has a location history that covers only a
couple of months. In all likelihood, the second
identity was mistakenly associated with the first.
STATE 00088372 002 OF 002
While identity theft cannot be ruled out completely,
when someone tries to steal an identity, that person
will likely stick with the identity for an extended
period of time (versus abruptly giving it up after a
short time) and more source documents associated with
that stolen identity would have been generated. Always
keep in mind that since LexisNexis is a data aggregator,
identity fraud is more likely in a case where someone
has two completely different SSNs, multiple simultaneous
addresses during the last several years, and no visible
connections in Relavint, versus someone who simply has
two SSNs associated with his or her name.
10. Using Advanced Person Search: The Office of Fraud
Prevention Programs (CA/FPP) suggests always starting
your search in LexisNexis using the "advanced person
search" option. The "advanced person search" option
presents the data in a much more coherent and easy to
read manner than the "regular person search" option.
The "advanced person search" option also attempts to
limit a SSN to the actual identity by using "smart"
computer technology. A "regular person search" presents
information in individual record form, which can be
useful when trying to determine where the data came
from.
11. PIERS: LexisNexis is most powerful when used in
combination with the Passport Information Electronic
Records System (PIERS). For example, information from
passport applications can be entered into the "advanced
person search" in LexisNexis to determine if the
application data generally agrees with what is found in
LexisNexis. If extra or different SSNs are listed,
those SSNs can be searched using the SSN search function
in PIERS. This type of search can determine if an
individual is applying for passports with more than one
SSN, or if multiple people are using the same SSN.
12. Suggested Actions When Identity Theft is Indicated:
Don't panic! It is extremely common to find multiple
persons associated with a SSN in LexisNexis, or for
multiple SSNs to be associated with one person. This is
usually not a sign of identity theft. The following
actions are suggested:
a. Go over the record again and try to determine if any
appropriate associations exist.
b. Compare the individual's address history in PIERS
with their address history in LexisNexis. If the two
databases more or less mirror each other, identity theft
is probably not indicated. If they are totally
different, this is of concern.
c. Contact your liaison officer in CA/FPP to help with
the analysis.
If identity theft is probably indicated:
a. Refer the case to your Assistant Regional Security
Officer (ARSO-I) or Regional Security Office (RSO) if
you suspect your applicant has stolen an identity.
b. Refer the case to your ARSO-I or RSO (and notify your
CA/FPP liaison) if you suspect your applicant is the
victim of identity theft. Do NOT inform the applicant.
It is nearly impossible to conclusively prove identity
theft using LexisNexis.
c. In any case where a SSN may have been compromised,
inform your Social Security Administration
representative at post.
CLINTON
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC CPAS KFRD CPPT CVIS
SUBJECT: LEXISNEXIS GUIDANCE ON IDENTITY THEFT
1. When it comes to identity theft, it is often
difficult to interpret results using LexisNexis. Many
of the same factors that indicate identity theft can
simply be a mistake or a legitimate association that is
difficult to spot. Below are some guidelines to help
consular officers interpret the data and suggestions on
actions to take.
2. CA's access to LexisNexis includes U.S. records
only. While it is often useful for research on persons
who have been in the United States for extended periods
of time, whether or not they are U.S. citizens, it is
important to remember that LexisNexis does not contain
information from outside the United States.
3. Remember that LexisNexis identifies only
associations, not ownership. The comprehensive reports
in LexisNexis do not indicate who specifically has a
certain Social Security Number (SSN) or who specifically
is using a certain Social Security Number. LexisNexis
is a data aggregator which associates different data
points, so overlap with more than one identity is
unavoidable. It is therefore not only possible, but
common, for roommates or relatives to be associated with
one anothers' SSNs.
4. As a result, it is possible for a SSN association to
be a product of nearly any situation. For example, an
associated SSN can come from a shared address, even an
address associated in error. Often, a fair amount of
research is required to determine which associations are
meaningful. Several tools are useful in this endeavor.
5. Relavint: The Relavint visual mapping tool can be
very helpful in noting where identities are associated
with one another. The Relavint icon is immediately next
to the order report icon where search results are
displayed. Relavint may make some connections
automatically that the human eye does not see. You may
notice, for example, that two people share an
association with a common address or car registration.
6. Address History: Multiple, incomplete, and/or gaps
in address may suggest identity theft. When a SSN is
being used by more than one person, it may cause the
information aggregator to list more than one address for
a person during a distinct period of time, or to have
gaps where there is no address at all. Alternately, it
is possible that the history will display a series of
address moves back and forth beween two addresses in
relatively quick succession. This is because the
aggregator is receiving conflicting information and gets
"confused."
7. Conflicting information that gives the aggregator
problems is often a sign that two people are using the
same identity. For example, a person could show a
consistent address history in New Jersey since 1970, but
for the period 2003-present, shows addresses in both New
Jersey and in Utah. This may suggest that a second
person in Utah is using the person's SSN. If an
individual has a complete address history with little
overlap, this suggests that identity theft is not an
issue.
8. Vastly Different SSNs: If an individual has more
than one SSN and the numbers clearly have no relation to
one another, this is a possible indication of identity
theft. However, individuals are often associated if
they have similar SSNs due to data entry errors on the
part of credit agencies. For example, consider one
individual with two SSNs: 333-33-3339 and 333-33-3336.
While we cannot rule out identity theft, "9" and "6" are
extremely close together on a numeric keypad, and this
kind of data entry error is common.
9. Source Documents: Identity information in
LexisNexis is based on source documentation that it is
able to collect or purchase. The fewer source documents
listed at the bottom of a LexisNexis report, the better
the chance that, if there are multiple identities tied
to one SSN, it is a mistake. For example, let's say
that an SSN is attached to two identities: the first
identity has a long, well developed, and complete
address history with 25 source documents, and the second
identity has a location history that covers only a
couple of months. In all likelihood, the second
identity was mistakenly associated with the first.
STATE 00088372 002 OF 002
While identity theft cannot be ruled out completely,
when someone tries to steal an identity, that person
will likely stick with the identity for an extended
period of time (versus abruptly giving it up after a
short time) and more source documents associated with
that stolen identity would have been generated. Always
keep in mind that since LexisNexis is a data aggregator,
identity fraud is more likely in a case where someone
has two completely different SSNs, multiple simultaneous
addresses during the last several years, and no visible
connections in Relavint, versus someone who simply has
two SSNs associated with his or her name.
10. Using Advanced Person Search: The Office of Fraud
Prevention Programs (CA/FPP) suggests always starting
your search in LexisNexis using the "advanced person
search" option. The "advanced person search" option
presents the data in a much more coherent and easy to
read manner than the "regular person search" option.
The "advanced person search" option also attempts to
limit a SSN to the actual identity by using "smart"
computer technology. A "regular person search" presents
information in individual record form, which can be
useful when trying to determine where the data came
from.
11. PIERS: LexisNexis is most powerful when used in
combination with the Passport Information Electronic
Records System (PIERS). For example, information from
passport applications can be entered into the "advanced
person search" in LexisNexis to determine if the
application data generally agrees with what is found in
LexisNexis. If extra or different SSNs are listed,
those SSNs can be searched using the SSN search function
in PIERS. This type of search can determine if an
individual is applying for passports with more than one
SSN, or if multiple people are using the same SSN.
12. Suggested Actions When Identity Theft is Indicated:
Don't panic! It is extremely common to find multiple
persons associated with a SSN in LexisNexis, or for
multiple SSNs to be associated with one person. This is
usually not a sign of identity theft. The following
actions are suggested:
a. Go over the record again and try to determine if any
appropriate associations exist.
b. Compare the individual's address history in PIERS
with their address history in LexisNexis. If the two
databases more or less mirror each other, identity theft
is probably not indicated. If they are totally
different, this is of concern.
c. Contact your liaison officer in CA/FPP to help with
the analysis.
If identity theft is probably indicated:
a. Refer the case to your Assistant Regional Security
Officer (ARSO-I) or Regional Security Office (RSO) if
you suspect your applicant has stolen an identity.
b. Refer the case to your ARSO-I or RSO (and notify your
CA/FPP liaison) if you suspect your applicant is the
victim of identity theft. Do NOT inform the applicant.
It is nearly impossible to conclusively prove identity
theft using LexisNexis.
c. In any case where a SSN may have been compromised,
inform your Social Security Administration
representative at post.
CLINTON