First Listening
Please listen to a short passage carefully and prepare to answer some questions.
The Social Security Number was originally meant only for retirement benefit and tax purposes, but now it has become a common way to identify people. With its wide use in all kinds of financial and commercial activities, identity theft is becoming a new epidemic. Once the thief snatches your Social Security Number, he can apply for a credit card and buy things in your name. It will take you an enormous amount of effort to clean up your damaged credit record. More and more people are falling prey to this nonviolent but frightening crime. According to official figures, it happens to at least 500,000 new victims each year. A special office has been set up to help victims to regain their lost credit. Also, several laws have been proposed to limit the use of Social Security Numbers in commerce, but they are facing fierce resistance from the credit industry.
Second Listening Listen to the tape again. Then answer the following questions. 1. What are the uses of the Social Security Number?
2. What is identity theft?
3. What measures have been taken to protect people from identity theft?
