Can I change my PPSN? How to stop I guess stalking

WombleBiddy

I am in a very tough spot this last year. I have had to cut all ties with every relative in my family due to abuse. I have not taken any action against these people as I am only just now starting to become independant.
I moved away and they knew the location, rarely they would turn up and try to get me to come out. I never did and honestly I just hid.
I then moved to a new house and made sure no one had my address. I have no friends in Ireland except for my partner so literally the only people who had my address are: Bank, HSE and the social welfare. Now obviously as they were relatives they have my DOB, name, PPSN and all other info. I know how sneaky they are, they sound like me and have done this stuff before.

My question is that I want to change my PPSN, is it even possible? I will also be legally changing my name in the next 6 months (YAY!) so I am harder to track. I want to move again by next year and find a way to permanently cut all ties.

January

http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Personal-Public-Service-Number-PPS-Number-Frequently-Asked.aspx

Q16. Is it possible for me to get a new number?

A16. No, generally once a PPS number is allocated it remains unchanged unless there is a material change in your circumstances or status. Historically, on marriage, the female partner in a relationship assumed her husband’s number with the letter “W” appended. The policy has since changed to ensure that every individual holds a unique PPS number. Where the female partner had a PPS number in her own right prior to marriage this number will be reactivated. If a pre-marriage number did not exist a new number will, be assigned. Any holders of a PPS number ending with the letter “W” may contact Client Identity Services Division of this Department to arrange a new PPS number.

BasedHobbes

Is there a legal way for them to track you down via your PPSN? As far as I can recall there isn't. If they do, I'd ring the Gardai and report them for identity theft (or whatever other means they use to find you).

WombleBiddy

BasedHobbes wrote: »

Is there a legal way for them to track you down via your PPSN? As far as I can recall there isn't. If they do, I'd ring the Gardai and report them for identity theft (or whatever other means they use to find you).

Not a legal way but they are using my PPSN and info to call I think the medical card section and request my address. I don't know how she does it but they somehow found the address, what's of is I used a slightly wrong address on the SW info (sorted now) which they used to send mail to me.. SW are the only ones with that wrong name hmm.

MarkAnthony

Guards. Simples.

WombleBiddy

MarkAnthony wrote: »

Guards. Simples.

How is that simply? I have asked them but it would mean bringing up the past and having to take them to court. I cannot get any order to keep them away from me either as the garda said there was few cases of adult children not want parents in contact...

Valentina

Unfortunately you can't change your PPSN. Don't want to worry you but, even if you change your name, once someone has your PPSN both names would be linked to it so in theory they could find out your new name too.

A friend of mine in a similar scenario had a note put on her file to say that she did not want any details given over the phone and would conduct all her business via the public offices with photo ID. Could you do this? At least if your family continue to ring they will just be told to go into the public office. Bit inconvenient for you but if it helps it's worth a shot.

I'd also get on to the HSE/DSP and inform them that they should be asking security questions before giving out info. Give them specific questions to ask that only you can answer so your family can't spoof it.

Horrible situation to be in OP, hope things work out for you.

WombleBiddy

Valentina wrote: »

Unfortunately you can't change your PPSN. Don't want to worry you but, even if you change your name, once someone has your PPSN both names would be linked to it so in theory they could find out your new name too.

A friend of mine in a similar scenario had a note put on her file to say that she did not want any details given over the phone and would conduct all her business via the public offices with photo ID. Could you do this? At least if your family continue to ring they will just be told to go into the public office. Bit inconvenient for you but if it helps it's worth a shot.

I'd also get on to the HSE/DSP and inform them that they should be asking security questions before giving out info. Give them specific questions to ask that only you can answer so your family can't spoof it.

Horrible situation to be in OP, hope things work out for you.

I tried calling Disability section about this but the woman said that they could never give out my info. When I asked if they could put a note on my account just in case she threatened to cancel my payment. Honestly I am terrified of calling them in case they think I am just making trouble. I don't like confrontation

Valentina

WombleBiddy wrote: »

I tried calling Disability section about this but the woman said that they could never give out my info. When I asked if they could put a note on my account just in case she threatened to cancel my payment. Honestly I am terrified of calling them in case they think I am just making trouble. I don't like confrontation

She can't cancel your payment for that. Don't mind her.

If you don't want to phone again, write a letter to the Higher Executive Officer (HEO) of the section, mark it to be opened by the addressee only and explain you want a note on your file. You don't need to tell them why. Ask for a reply in writing confirming this has been done.

TheBeach

Under the data protection act the hse nor the dept of Social Protection can give out your details to a third party. If you think this person /people are obtaining your private information by impersonating you or indeed if you wish to change your ppsn you should contact the control section, client identity services, dept of social protection, Shannon lodge, Carrick on Shannon, Co leitrim or call them. I'm really trying to understand how anyone could obtain your information é.g.' Hi hse. This is my ppsn - can you give me MY address please? '. This would ring alarm bells to anyone in the public sector to answer a call like this. I would guess that someone has access to your mail or something?

MarkAnthony

WombleBiddy wrote: »

How is that simply? I have asked them but it would mean bringing up the past and having to take them to court. I cannot get any order to keep them away from me either as the garda said there was few cases of adult children not want parents in contact...

You need to get this dealt with. If the guard on the desk won't help, escalate it. Yes you're going to have to dredge things up and potentially go to court.

ohnonotgmail

Is it at all possible that they know somebody working in the HSE and are getting the information that way?

Kristopherus

ohnonotgmail wrote: »

Is it at all possible that they know somebody working in the HSE and are getting the information that way?

Very unlikely. Unless it is a family member/close relation. HSE staff are regularly reminded not to give any personal info on any client to a third party.

ohnonotgmail

Kristopherus wrote: »

Very unlikely. Unless it is a family member/close relation. HSE staff are regularly reminded not to give any personal info on any client to a third party.

that is kinda what i was suggesting.

Muahahaha

Kristopherus wrote: »

Very unlikely. Unless it is a family member/close relation. HSE staff are regularly reminded not to give any personal info on any client to a third party.

Not that unlikely. AFAIR after Dolores McNamara had some 30+ workers in the DSP access her private information after she won the Euromillions lottery. Then stories of her previous social welfare claims started popping up in the media. Also many private detectives would have the ability to get private information out too.

The theory that a family member might know someone working in the HSE/DSP may not be that wide of the mark.

ct5amr2ig1nfhp

Once you have a DOB, name and PPSN number, it is very easy to get the address on file (along with other information unfortunately).

However as other posters have mentioned, you will be breaking data protection laws without the consent of the individual.

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

Pat Mustard

WombleBiddy wrote: »

I am in a very tough spot this last year. I have had to cut all ties with every relative in my family due to abuse. I have not taken any action against these people as I am only just now starting to become independant.
I moved away and they knew the location, rarely they would turn up and try to get me to come out. I never did and honestly I just hid.
I then moved to a new house and made sure no one had my address. I have no friends in Ireland except for my partner so literally the only people who had my address are: Bank, HSE and the social welfare. Now obviously as they were relatives they have my DOB, name, PPSN and all other info. I know how sneaky they are, they sound like me and have done this stuff before.

My question is that I want to change my PPSN, is it even possible? I will also be legally changing my name in the next 6 months (YAY!) so I am harder to track. I want to move again by next year and find a way to permanently cut all ties.

You have mentioned several people/organisations who know where you live. I wouldn't necessarily assume that the information must have come from the Dept. of Social Protection.

It may be something as simple as a member of your family following your partner back to your place from somewhere that they know he goes; work, sports, pub, family member's house, etc.

In any case, if your family are making unwelcome calls up to your house after you have moved to get away from them, you should complain to Gardai and let them investigate it. Gardai may be able to find out how your family find out the locations to which you move.

Muahahaha

Fred Swanson wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Plus employees of the HSE, Gardai, ESB, Eircom, Vodafone and so on. Good private detectives in Ireland have access to all kinds of private information on private citizens because the checks and balances that are supposed to prevent this information from being leaked out are completely ineffectual.

The OP might be a victim of this, basic location searches of a person are bread and butter stuff for private detectives in Ireland. The work the do tracking people is on a spectrum that begins with missing persons and ends with married people having affairs. In between these two extremes you have private dectiives employed to track down people like the OP who don't want to be found for their own reasons.

bobbysands81

Muahahaha wrote: »

Not that unlikely. AFAIR after Dolores McNamara had some 30+ workers in the DSP access her private information after she won the Euromillions lottery. Then stories of her previous social welfare claims started popping up in the media. Also many private detectives would have the ability to get private information out too.

The theory that a family member might know someone working in the HSE/DSP may not be that wide of the mark.

That very case lead to huge changes within the Department of Social Protection.

An electronic fingerprint is left every single time someone accesses a file regarding any member of the public. Therefore if somebody in DSP has been looking at this OPs file to get information on them then management within DSP will know.

Breaches of Data Protection laws are taken very seriously by DSP with serious sanctions, including people being sacked, handed out to staff breaking these laws. The law does not differentiate between staff looking up a member of their family's info or a stranger's info. There are protocols in place which must be followed and if not serious sanctions can follow.

OP - you can find if someone has been accessing your file who shouldn't have been by contacting DSP Head Office with your query.

bobbysands81

Fred Swanson wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

An immediate sacking offence.

The risk just does not equal the reward.

Highly unlikely, in fact almost certainly not the case.

WombleBiddy

ohnonotgmail wrote: »

that is kinda what i was suggesting.

Muahahaha wrote: »

Not that unlikely. AFAIR after Dolores McNamara had some 30+ workers in the DSP access her private information after she won the Euromillions lottery. Then stories of her previous social welfare claims started popping up in the media. Also many private detectives would have the ability to get private information out too.

The theory that a family member might know someone working in the HSE/DSP may not be that wide of the mark.

Nope they do not know anyone in the HSE.

Maci Stale Ceremony wrote: »

Once you have a DOB, name and PPSN number, it is very easy to get the address on file (along with other information unfortunately).

However as other posters have mentioned, you will be breaking data protection laws without the consent of the individual.

Aye I rang up myself and tested to see if it was easy, they gave out the first line which is enough with a google search to find the address.

Pat Mustard wrote: »

You have mentioned several people/organisations who know where you live. I wouldn't necessarily assume that the information must have come from the Dept. of Social Protection.

It may be something as simple as a member of your family following your partner back to your place from somewhere that they know he goes; work, sports, pub, family member's house, etc.

In any case, if your family are making unwelcome calls up to your house after you have moved to get away from them, you should complain to Gardai and let them investigate it. Gardai may be able to find out how your family find out the locations to which you move.

To be clear the SW are the only ones who has a very specific error in the address. I have thought that maybe someone followed him but he has been observant since the beginning. We know all their cars and they don't have friends outside the family.

Muahahaha wrote: »

Plus employees of the HSE, Gardai, ESB, Eircom, Vodafone and so on. Good private detectives in Ireland have access to all kinds of private information on private citizens because the checks and balances that are supposed to prevent this information from being leaked out are completely ineffectual.

The OP might be a victim of this, basic location searches of a person are bread and butter stuff for private detectives in Ireland. The work the do tracking people is on a spectrum that begins with missing persons and ends with married people having affairs. In between these two extremes you have private dectiives employed to track down people like the OP who don't want to be found for their own reasons.

Honestly I doubt it is a PI finding me since they don't talk about family business with outsiders. Though one may have said I was being 'abused' to find me.

bobbysands81 wrote: »

That very case lead to huge changes within the Department of Social Protection.

An electronic fingerprint is left every single time someone accesses a file regarding any member of the public. Therefore if somebody in DSP has been looking at this OPs file to get information on them then management within DSP will know.

Breaches of Data Protection laws are taken very seriously by DSP with serious sanctions, including people being sacked, handed out to staff breaking these laws. The law does not differentiate between staff looking up a member of their family's info or a stranger's info. There are protocols in place which must be followed and if not serious sanctions can follow.

OP - you can find if someone has been accessing your file who shouldn't have been by contacting DSP Head Office with your query.

The issue is how do they know when someone was accessing my file if they simply rang up and pretended to be me? It would not be anyone technically in the wrong if they just went by PPSN, name, DOB etc.

I am still afraid to contact SW in case they stop my payment. She told me she would do it, just for asking to add a note to my account. She said it was impossible and so she became aggressive. I need this money, I have barely enough right now and I have a sick animal which I know is stupid to even think about but they make me smile even when everything is getting to me.

Pat Mustard

WombleBiddy wrote: »

To be clear the SW are the only ones who has a very specific error in the address.

You haven't explained how this error relates to your family.

angeldelight

Pat Mustard wrote: »

You haven't explained how this error relates to your family.

She did - her family sent her mail using the slightly incorrect address so she feels that address came from SW

Flippyfloppy

Pat Mustard wrote: »

You haven't explained how this error relates to your family.

I think the OP has inferred that they received mail from their family which included this error in the address.

OP you need to put this request in writing to higher management, and ask for written confirmation.

Nichard Dixon

Maybe a note to the Data Protection officer in the HSE, asking for a note on your file?

AngryHippie

WombleBiddy

PO Box XYZ

Some where not too close to you.

Pick up the post at stupid o'clock.

Job done.

Neyite

AngryHippie wrote: »

WombleBiddy

PO Box XYZ

Some where not too close to you.

Pick up the post at stupid o'clock.

Job done.

Would the DSP accept that as your address though? I doubt they would.

Losty Dublin

Neyite wrote: »

Would the DSP accept that as your address though? I doubt they would.

They won't. An address needs to be an actual place they can tie you down to. A PO Box can literally be anywhere. Besides, how could an inspector do a house visit to a PO Box?

Roselm

TheBeach wrote: »

Under the data protection act the hse nor the dept of Social Protection can give out your details to a third party. If you think this person /people are obtaining your private information by impersonating you or indeed if you wish to change your ppsn you should contact the control section, client identity services, dept of social protection, Shannon lodge, Carrick on Shannon, Co leitrim or call them. I'm really trying to understand how anyone could obtain your information é.g.' Hi hse. This is my ppsn - can you give me MY address please? '. This would ring alarm bells to anyone in the public sector to answer a call like this. I would guess that someone has access to your mail or something?

Although they might have got away with it by saying "Can I check you have the correct address for me, I've had problems with my post" or something to that effect