10 Ways To Protect Your Social Security Number

It’s alarming that identity theft is becoming increasingly widespread in the United States. Many fraudulent schemes are perpetrated using people’s Social Security numbers (SSN) because they’re commonly used in financial transactions.

Identity thieves can use your Social Security Number to apply for a credit card, obtain a loan, or collect benefits in your name. This is why it’s critical to keep your SSN private. Any negligence on your part may prove to be a disastrous mistake.

Here Are 10 Ways You Can Protect Your Social Security Number:

1. Do Not Disclose It Unnecessarily

Your Social Security Number should be guarded zealously. It’s good practice to ask why somebody needs this confidential information. It’s well within your rights to ask relevant questions.

Some of the questions you could ask are the following:

• Why are you asking for my SSN?
• Will you share my SSN with others once I give it to you?
• How will you keep my SSN confidential?
• Is there a privacy policy in place?
• Will you compensate me for any losses if my SSN is stolen or compromised?

Give out your SSN only if you’re convinced that it’s absolutely necessary. If in doubt, don’t disclose this confidential information.

Even the SSN prefixes reveal something about you. It identifies the state where you were born or resided when the number was issued. So, do not divulge your SSN, either in part or in full.

2. Offer An Alternative ID

There are forms of identification other than your SSN. If a business asks for identification, you may present your driver’s license.

Other alternative forms of identification include a Student ID (if enrolled in a college or university), passport, and proof of current/previous address like utility bills. This is another way of protecting your SSN from theft.

3. Use Data Monitoring Services

There are ID security apps that can monitor the internet. These applications help to scan through the dark web for your personal data. Data breaches could happen without you realizing it. However, these apps will let you know if your SSN has been compromised.

Leakage of other confidential data like email addresses, driver’s license numbers, credit card details, and others can also be traced. Hence, you will be able to take appropriate steps as soon as possible.

4. Leave Your Card At Home

You don’t necessarily have to carry your Social Security card with you everywhere you go. Don’t leave it in your purse or wallet. Don’t save your SSN on your phone, laptop, or other devices.

Any of these could be misplaced, stolen, or hacked, with your SSN falling into the wrong hands. It would be rare for you to need your card for the usual transactions, so you should leave your card at home.

Rather than carrying your Social Security card around, memorize your SSN. Keep your SSN safely locked up in your head and your card locked up in your home.

5. Beware Of Scams

Because of how important your Social Security Number is, identity thieves, find every possible means to steal this information from you. Some use the phone and email scams to get your SSN.

They could go as far as misrepresenting themselves as Social Security Administration (SSA) personnel who will threaten to withhold your benefits if you don’t provide personal information. This is a sure indication that the call is fraudulent.

Another common scam is sending fake emails with attachments that look like the real deal, complete with the SSA seal. The recipient is directed to a fake SSA website that looks legitimate, with instructions to type in the SSN and other personal details. Asking you to provide your personal information is always a red flag.

6. Tear Up Mail and Documents With Confidential Information

It’s not safe to toss your mail and old paper documents containing your SSN in the trash. Anyone can just walk over to your trash bin and get your sensitive documents and retrieve the personal information on them. Therefore, it’s wise to shred these papers before discarding them to keep thieves from stealing your personal information.

Also, make sure to empty your mailbox regularly. Letting your mail sit there for too long gives fraudsters the chance to steal it to get your personal details.

7. Monitor Your Accounts And Credit Score

If an identity thief gains access to your SSN, your bank and credit card accounts will likely show unusual activities. These activities might go unnoticed if you don’t keep an eye on your accounts.

Therefore, it’s essential to monitor your accounts constantly and be on the lookout for any strange withdrawals or purchases. Furthermore, your credit score could be a good indicator of unusual activities so keep an eye on it as well.

If you notice anything out of the ordinary, notify your bank or credit card company immediately, then lodge a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and IdentityTheft.gov.

Related Resource: Top 5 Ways Companies Should Manage Their Credit Risks In 2022

8. Abstain From Using It As A Password

While some people use their SSN as a password to ensure they don’t forget this number, this practice is very wrong and risky. You might think that only you could access your passwords. Unfortunately, passwords could be cracked or decrypted. Once identity thieves access your SSN, they can engage in fraudulent transactions at your expense.

9. Do Not Send It Electronically

There are risks involved in sharing your SSN using an electronic device. Never send it via email, instant message, or voicemail. As rare as this may sound, electronic transmissions may be intercepted, enabling fraudsters to steal your personal information. Giving out your SSN to authorized persons is safer to do in person.

10. Do Not Give It Out To Strangers

On the matter of disclosing your SSN, no one is to be trusted, let alone strangers. Ignore unsolicited emails or phone calls requesting it. In general, don’t give out your SSN except for legitimate reasons.

Conclusion

Your Social Security Number (SSN) is an important piece of personal information that deserves utmost protection. To avoid becoming a victim of identity theft, do not disclose your SSN to strangers or in unwarranted situations.

Follow all the other tips listed above to secure your SSN. Because much is at stake, be vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to the appropriate government agencies.

Read Also:

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• Making the Most of Your Credit Card
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