New Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, which took effect December 1, minimize the risk of identity theft. The new rules require that bankruptcy case files no longer display a filer’s entire social security number when viewed electronically.

      The changes in Bankruptcy Rules 1005, 1007 and 2002 mirror federal civil cases in which, by Judicial Conference policy, a litigant’s social security number can be abbreviated.

     The changes are in response to the increased electronic public access to bankruptcy court files. Concerns were raised because virtually all bankruptcy courts have systems in place that give the public instant access to court records through the Internet. Widespread dissemination of social security number makes identity theft easier.

      The text of the amended bankruptcy rules, along with changes in appellate, civil and evidence rules, can be found http://www.uscourts.gov/rules