How to Protect Your Social Security Number
Giving Your Social Security Number Out
Never give your social security number out over the phone. If you're calling a financial institution or another institution that uses your social security number as an identifier, tell them you feel uncomfortable giving out the number via the phone. Offer to provide other information that will help them access your accounts. Never, ever give the number to someone who has called you and claims to be from one of your financial institutions. Call the institution back and verify that someone called - and then let them know that you won't be giving the number out over the phone.
Don't Carry Your Social Security Card in Your Purse or Wallet
Most people carry their social security cards in their purses or wallets. It seems like a good place to keep it, but it's really not. If someone steals your purse or wallet, they now have access to your social security number. While they might have your credit cards and other financial information, most places require your social security number to process everything - so if the card is at home in your safe or in a safe place, the thief doesn't have access to it. You can then cancel everything immediately.
Using Your Social Security Number Online
There are very few reasons (if any) that you would need to give out your social security number online. However, if you find yourself in the position that you do, make sure the site is encrypted. This means that the information you put into the forms will be coded so that no one who manages to hack the information will understand what it means. This keeps your personal information shielded so that it doesn't end up in the wrong hands. If the website is not encrypted, refuse to give them your social security number.
By using the above tips and tricks and guarding your social security number, you can protect it and keep it from landing in the hands of shady and dangerous individuals.
Published by Kristi Patrice Carter
I am a proud wife, mother and internet marketing writer. My goal is to become a six figure writer within 2 years by combining my writing and internet marketing talents. To see my progress, please visit www.... View profile
- Getting Social Security Information OnlineThe Social Security Administration has a website called www.ssa.gov. On that site lists a good deal of information from getting speakers from the Social Security Administration to speak at an organization to listing t...
- Missing Your Economic Stimulus Payment? Check Name on Social Security CardThousands of married couples were denied their Economic Stimulus Payment because a spouse's maiden name was still on their Social Security Card.
- Social InSecurityProtect Your Social Security Number--for a fee?
- How to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft and What to Do If You're a VictimIdentity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. Here's how to protect yourself and what to do if you're vicitimized.
- What They Don't Tell You About Your Social Security NumberRead this to find out if you have a cute Social Security Number, and how to rate the cutest Social Security number of all. Includes tips for making your own Social Security jewelry.
- Guess What? Research Shows that Your Social Security Number Could Be Guessed
- Freelancers Should Use an EIN Instead of a Social Security Number
- Tips for Protecting Your Social Security Number to Prevent Identity Theft
- CEO of LifeLock Todd Davis Publicizes His Social Security Number
- Background Checks Without Social Security Number
- Determine When to Give out my Social Security Number
- Is LifeLock Fail Safe? Company CEO has Social Security Number Stolen