Practical Tips For Securing Your Social Security Number
The Social Security Number (SSN) was originally devised in order to record the earnings of individuals and to monitor their Social Security benefits.
However, the SSN has far outperformed its original intent, and today it is the most common personal identifier for many record keeping purposes in the United States.
In fact, so many government agencies and private businesses request consumers’ Social Security Numbers that it has become difficult to keep track of who we are legally required to disclose it to.
Who Might Request Your Social Security Number:
- Government Agencies: Some government agencies, such as tax authorities and the Department of Motor Vehicles, legally require your SSN. Under the Privacy Act of 1974, all government agencies requesting your SSN are required to disclose whether the number is required by law, why it is needed, how it will be used and the authority under which it is being requested. If you find that a government agency has not provided this disclosure, you are encouraged to complain to the agency as well as your state and federal representatives.
- Private Businesses: Even though many private businesses will request your SSN, you are not usually required by law to provide it. This includes health care providers and insurers. If you choose not to provide your SSN, businesses have the right to refuse their services, but if you feel the denial of service is unjust, consider speaking to a supervisor.
- Employers: You need your SSN when obtaining employment, as your employers require it to report your earnings and their payroll taxes. This is one of the only times in which you actually need to carry a copy of your card.
- Financial Institutions: Many financial institutions will require/request your SSN, especially those handling transactions where the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may be interested for tax purposes. The law requires financial institutions to participate in Customer Identification Programs (CIPs), which means that they must keep records of identifying information and check customer names against terrorist lists. In these cases, a SSN is also required.
- Schools/Universities: Publicly and federally-funded schools are often required to provide identifying information in compliance with federal law in order to retain funding. These institutions also fall under the Privacy Act of 1974.
- Online Businesses: Some online businesses will request SSNs in order to complete transactions, but consumers should be very cautious about disclosing this information over the Internet.
It is vital that you install the latest antivirus and anti-spyware on your computer prior to disclosing this information online. Make sure you are only doing business with reputable companies and remember to avoid phishing scams at all costs.
How to Protect Your Social Security Number
You should do all that you can to protect your Social Security Number when its disclosure is not required. To protect your SSN:
- Keep your Social Security card in a safe place (NOT in your wallet) where it is unlikely to be lost or stolen.
- Never print your SSN on checks or other identifying information.
- Check your Social Security Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement (PEBES) to ensure that the information is correct. If not, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) immediately, as this may be sign that your SSN is being used by someone else for employment purposes.
- Monitor your Equifax, Experian and TransUnion credit reports regularly.
- Make it a policy not to disclose your SSN unless you are sure it is required or to your benefit. Ask the business or institution why it is needed, what they will use it for and whether it is required by law. You may even consider taking your business elsewhere if you feel the request is unjust.
What to Do If Your Social Security Card Has Been Lost or Stolen
If your Social Security card has been lost or stolen, you can obtain replacement through the SSA for free.
Obtaining a replacement card will not put you out of harms way of identity fraud, so if you think your identity may be at risk, file a complaint with the FTC and begin to monitor your credit reports.
Also check your Social Security records to ensure that your number is not being fraudulently used for work purposes.
How to Get a Replacement Social Security Card
If you do require a replacement, contact the SSA. Be prepared to provide documents proving your US citizenship or immigration status, as well as your age and your identity as it directly relates to Social Security.
You are limited to 3 replacements a year and 10 over a lifetime (exceptions apply), so keep your card in a safe place where it is unlikely to be lost or stolen.
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