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."

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