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May 2005 |
Question:
With the widespread
problem of identity theft today, I am concerned about the possibility
of my social security number being available to the public in the Official
Records on the county’s website. How can I find out if my social security
number is included in any of the official records, and if it is, what
can I do to prevent it being used for identity theft?
Answer:
You may search the state’s Official Records on-line at www.myfloridacounty.com, “Order Official Records.” If you find a document which includes your social security number, you may request to have it removed at no charge. For removal, you will have to contact the Clerk’s Office in the county where the document is recorded. In Manatee County, as in other counties, you can search the Official Records and view the documents on-line. If you find your social security number on a document, simply e-mail a request to remove it including the book and page where it can be found.
Request forms can usually be found on-line on the individual Clerk’s website at Official Records. To find Manatee County’s website, go to www.ManateeClerk.com. See the notice titled, "Help on Protecting Your Social Security Number." The request form will ask for information about the specific document, such as the type of document, instrument number, book and page, to assist the Clerk in locating it.
If you do not have access to the Internet, our office has forms for you to fill out to request removal of your personal information, which can include not only social security numbers, but bank account numbers and credit/debit card numbers as well.