It is a common misconception that open access to public records perpetuates theft of identity. The reality is that public records can be your best protection against this type of criminal activity.

Information and data compiled by private companies from public records, including Social Security numbers, addresses, dates of birth and phone numbers, are used every day to help combat identity theft. Social Security numbers have proven to be the most reliable tool in verifying an individual's identity. Certain public and court records contain this vital information, and provide a reliable source for data matching, which helps prevent the rapid increase in identity fraud victims. Further, commercial databases compiled using public records for identity authentication are routinely used online and offline to detect credit card application fraud, and insurance application and claims fraud.

The use of public records improves the speed and accuracy of check acceptances, combats identity theft, and reduces check fraud, which has the combined effect of lowering costs for all consumers.

Efforts to restrict the collection and use of personal information contained in public records, though well intended, actually hinder efforts to prevent identity theft by depriving businesses, government and law enforcement officials of valuable data that is used to authenticate identities and protect the public at-large.

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The Truth About Big Brother Databases, by Lynn Peterson and Genie Tyburski