SANTA ANA, Calif. – With the problem of identity theft spreading, legislators here have created their own solution. Effective July 1, employees can no longer be identified by their social security number. Approved last year as part of SB168, the restriction bars businesses from publicly posting or displaying a social security number or printing an individual's social security number on any materials that are sent by mail. With the exception of mailed payroll checks, the rule will apply to company mailings about retirement accounts, dependent-care programs, pension benefits and employee-assistance programs. In addition financial institutions and insurance companies are prohibited from using social security numbers in any correspondence. The rule is only applicable to new employees but existing employees must be given the choice of opting out.