| To protect against identity theft, it is best not to | | | | when you apply for a credit card, loan, apartment, |
| carry your Social Security number in your wallet | | | | hydro, phone or other utility and they will want |
| or write your Social Security number on a check. | | | | your SSN. |
| Before disclosing your Social Security number | | | | Sometimes they just want your Social Security |
| (SSN) to anyone, first make sure that it is | | | | number for ordinary record keeping, so you |
| absolutely necessary that they have it. You are | | | | should ask these questions: |
| allowed to ask pointed questions, don't be shy. | | | | 1. Why do you need my Social Security number. |
| Ask the person if some other form of | | | | 2. Precisely how will my Social Security number be |
| identification will suffice. An identity thief is well on | | | | used? |
| his way in stealing your identity when he has your | | | | 3. How will you protect my social Security number |
| Social Security number. | | | | from being stolen or otherwise compromised? |
| Your state driver's license may use your SSN as | | | | 4. What will happen if I don't give you my social |
| your driver's license number and if this is so, ask | | | | Security number? |
| to have it replaced with another number. Your | | | | Some company's will not be able to provide you |
| health insurance company may also use your SSN | | | | with a service or benefit that you desire without |
| as your policy number, so ask to have it changed. | | | | having your Social Security number. If the |
| Your bank, credit union etc and the company that | | | | company provides answers to these questions |
| employs you need your SSN for wage and tax | | | | that are satisfactory to you, then you may be |
| reporting purposes. There will be times when a | | | | able to make a decision to share your SSN. |
| company will want to do a credit check on you | | | | Ultimately, the decision is yours. |