10 Ways to Protect Your Social Security Number

Social Security numbers were never intended to be a “one size fits all” primary ID. In many ways, however, that’s exactly what has happened. Identity theft thrives in the U.S. in part because Americans feel forced to use their SSN for so many types of interactions. Ultimately, it falls on individuals to protect their own number.

Those Who Need Your SSN and Those Who Don’t

Not everyone who requests your SSN actually needs it. Generally speaking, if an entity reports information about you to the Internal Revenue Service, you probably have to supply your Social Security number to that entity. This includes your employer, banks/lenders, U.S. Treasury (savings bonds), welfare department and workers’ compensation.

Although other institutions and businesses have the right to ask for your number, they don’t need it. Unfortunately, if they ask and you say no, they can refuse to provide services to you or put conditions on the service – such as a deposit or additional fees. (For more, see The Purpose of Having a Social Security Number.)

Here are 10 things you can do to protect your SSN. - Read More at the investopedia

10 Ways to Protect Your Social Security Number

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