Keep your Social Security number Confidential

Posted by Belle
Updated: March 7th, 2010

Everywhere you turn people are requesting your Social Security Number, and this mainstream way of doing things may have most people convinced that this is a mandatory part of the process for you to sign up for some internet service or other organization.  This is not the case, you are not even required to give it to your doctor, unless you have Medicare or Medicaid.  People will badger you about getting it, and it may be a fight not to give it to them, you may even have to talk to 8 or 10 different people to resolve the issue in your favor.  This is nothing compared to the time and money you will spend trying to undo the damage identity theft will cause for you.  It is becoming an epidemic.  In 2005 8.3 million Americans were victims of this crime, and with more online shopping and signups this is booming more than ever.

Credible companies do not have the intention of stealing your social security number, but they cannot possible know what each and every employee’s true intentions are.  This is just life that applies in a lot of different aspects, but it just means they we as individuals need to take extra care to protect ourselves.

Other ways of identity theft is through a stolen computer.  Where do they store everything?  In a computer or laptop.  Within the last few years all of the following companies have had sensitive information stolen from their systems:

• Home Depot
• Citigroup
• Gap
• Hartford Financial Services
• AT&T
• Pfizer
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs,
• the government of Great Britain
• Time Warner

and many other organizations.  Also in March of 2006 two of Verizon’s company laptops were stolen, putting many employees at risk for identity theft.  Unfortunately, that is where you need to give your Social Security Number is to your employer.   You can always refuse, but because employers usually like to conduct background checks and other in depth checks, they will probably refuse to hire you as well.  Your bank is also another mandatory place to give your Social to so they are able to comply with federal law, and very VERY few others.  These are already two different places that have the most important information that you have, so anywhere else use discretion.

Let’s say your stolen identity is resolved right away and your bank refunds everything returns to normal.  Your information can still be out there and other accounts may be opened in your name, which you may not find about for years.  So lets say 5 years later you try and apply for a loan to buy a house, but you have $1 million dollars in debt?  The best thing to do is to keep your personal information as personal as possible.  Nobody ever needs your SS# when ordering something online or for signing up.  There is no reason.

Gaurd yourself, because you are the only person you can 100% trust.

Be smart. Be safe. Be in control.

~ Belle