Protect your Social Security number

To protect against identity theft, it is best not to carry your Social Security number in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check.  Before disclosing your Social Security number (SSN) to anyone, first make sure that it is absolutely necessary that they have it.  You are allowed to ask pointed questions, don't be shy.  Ask the person if some other form of identification will suffice.  An identity thief is well on his way in stealing your identity when he has your Social Security number. 

Your state driver's license may use your SSN as your driver's license number and if this is so, ask to have it replaced with another number.  Your health insurance company may also use your SSN as your policy number, so ask to have it changed.  Your bank, credit union etc and the company that employs you need your SSN for wage and tax reporting purposes.  There will be times when a company will want to do a credit check on you when you apply for a credit card, loan, apartment, hydro, phone or other utility and they will want your SSN. 

Sometimes they just want your Social Security number for ordinary record keeping, so you should ask these questions:

1. Why do you need my Social Security number.

2. Precisely how will my Social Security number be used?

3. How will you protect my social Security number from being stolen or otherwise compromised?

4. What will happen if I don't give you my social Security number?

Some company's will not be able to provide you with a service or benefit that you desire without having your Social Security number.  If the company provides answers to these questions that are satisfactory to you, then you may be able to make a decision to share your SSN.  Ultimately, the decision is yours.