Potential ID theft from gun purchase docs?

[NewGunGuy3]

My CHL is in the works (status finally got updated) so until now I've been filling out the usual paper forms (or electronic at Cabelas) when purchasing a weapon. It occurred to me that this paperwork could be a potential source for ID theft since it has a lot of personal information like birth place, ssn, name, address and so on.

What are the rules on retaining or destroying those documents? I'm wondering at the very least if I should go back and try to have the ssn redacted.

Once my CHL comes in, what / how is the purchase process different? I assume it is since I saw a separate line at Cabelas but that's all I know.

Thanks.

[G.A. Heath]

The documents must be retained for 7 years by the dealer and then they may be destroyed. If the dealer goes out of business before the docs are 7 years old they have to send those documents to the ATF. The documents must be treated like tax records by law.

When you get your CHL the process is the same except the dealer is not required to call in for a NICS check.

I would like to point out that the SSN # is optional.

[jmra]

Most of the dealers I've dealt with do not want you to put your SN# on the form if you have your CHL.

Cabelas has a different line because the NICS process takes longer. With an average of 45,000 calls per day since Obama took office it's amazing the NICS process is as quick as it is.

[NewGunGuy3]

I would like to point out that the SSN # is optional.

Thanks for the feedback. I was well aware the SSN was optional, however I have a "unique" last name that is commonly used in examples / tests as a generic last name. I have been caught by this several times in other cases where pre-existing bogus information was used in systems for testing purposes. I figured with SSN I was more likely to avoid grief over mis-identification during the purchase.

[Jumping Frog]

The documents must be retained for 7 years by the dealer and then they may be destroyed. If the dealer goes out of business before the docs are 7 years old they have to send those documents to the ATF. The documents must be treated like tax records by law.

When you get your CHL the process is the same except the dealer is not required to call in for a NICS check.

I would like to point out that the SSN # is optional.

Not 7 years, FFL's must retain Form 4473 for 20 years.

http://www.nssf.org/factsheets/PDF/FFLR ... ention.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[OldCannon]

20 years for 4473s.

They are required to be stored in a locked storage area (lockable cabinet is ok), facilities are also required to have monitored security (yes,even home dealers).

SSAN is optional,but I typically recommend it if your name might be common. I get delays from people who don't use SSAN, but so far never with one. Doesn't mean you have to.

P.S. Identity theft by grabbing paper documents is nowadays considered WAY too expensive. Most thieves are working "inside jobs" with places that have your key information and pulling it en masse off computers.

[G.A. Heath]

I just came back to this thread and noticed I posted 7 years, doh! I was working on something else (relating to a particular president saying "Four score and seven") and got some numbers mixed up. But I'm confident that here when I post a stupid mistake someone will catch it.

[rm9792]

I would like to point out that the SSN # is optional.

. I figured with SSN I was more likely to avoid grief over mis-identification during the purchase.

It makes absolutely no difference. I got delays with or without it, no pattern was discernable. All the info you provide is public info (yes even your TDL) except the SSN so leave it off.

[OldCannon]

I would like to point out that the SSN # is optional.

...
It makes absolutely no difference.

It makes a difference if you have a fairly common name. Other factors come into play as well, so it's not "guaranteed" you won't be delayed, but it definitely reduces the odds.