When it comes to the Social Security, people are provided
with the specific number that is termed as Social Security Number. The SSN or
Social Security Number was initially made to record the earnings of people and
to keep an eye on their benefits of the Social Security. It has been noticed
that the SSN has far outpaced its original intent. This is the reason why it
has become the most common personal identifier that has used for a number of
record keeping motives in the USA. There are chances, in which a number of
private businesses and government agencies request clients’ numbers that define
their Social Security benefits. It has become harder to keep record of who we
are legally needed to disclose it to.
Who may request the SSN?
First of all, before proceeding on how to protect your SS
number, you should understand who want your SSN and for what purpose. There are
several companies, institutions, and people, who may need your SSN and use it
for different purposes. Get into detail:
Private Businesses
These businesses are in the list, who wants the SSN of
people. Although, many private companies will request it, but you are not
normally needed by law to give it to them. These companies include health care
companies and insurers. In the case, if you do not provide your SSN to number,
then they have the right to decline their services. At any instance, if you
experience the injustice about the denial of the service, you have a chance to
contact a supervisor.
Government companies and associations
There are many government companies that include the
Department of the Motor Vehicles and the tax authorities, which legally need
the SSN. According to the Privacy Act of 1974, when any of the government
agencies request the SSN, they have to disclose why they need this number like
whether it is needed by law, how they will use it and the name of the authority
for which they are requesting this number. If the government agency is capable
of giving this essential information to you, then it will be fine, otherwise
you are fortified to complain to the company and also the federal and state
representatives.
Must Read: Social Security FAQ’s
Employers
When you are going to have employment in any of the
companies, they also request your SSN. They will need it because they have to
use it for reporting your earnings and also their payroll taxes. It is the
necessity that you will have to provide your SSN to them.
Schools or Universities
The schools and universities, which are funded by public and
federal agencies, need this number. They use it for providing with the
identification of the information in agreement with the federal law so that
they can retain funding. You can also see these institutions under the Privacy
Act (1974).
Online Businesses
Some businesses do exist online, which will request Social
Security numbers so that they can end up with the transactions. At the same
time, consumers need to be very careful about giving this information online. When
you are doing this thing, make sure that you have the latest anti-spyware and
anti-virus installed in the computer. It is also important to observe the
reputation and genuineness of these companies to neglect the phishing scams at
any cost.
Financial Centers
Last but not the least, the financial centers will also need
your SSN when it comes to the management of the transactions in which the IRS
or Internal Revenue Service may be willing for the purpose of the tax. It is
needed by the law that these centers participate in the CIP (Customer
Identification Program). It means that they must maintain the records of
assessing information and examine the names of the customers against the
terrorist lists. It is the valid case in which a person will have to give his
Social Security number to these companies.
Tips to defend your SSN
Sometimes, the disclosure of the Social Security number is
not needed, at that time you should take care of the below-mentioned tips:
- Avoid printing your SSN on checks or other assessing information.
- It is a wise thing to keep your SS card in a safe place, where it is unexpected to be stolen or lost.
- Checking the SS Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement is a good thing to make sure that the information is accurate. In the case, the information is wrong, you must contact the SSA immediately because it is depicting that someone is using your SSN for employment purposes.
- Consider it as a policy not to give your SSN unless you are sure it is needed or to your advantage. Take all the necessary details about the requirement of the Social Security number before giving it to them. If you feel suspicious, then deny the request.
- Last but not the least, it is good to maintain and monitor your credit reports on a regular basis to avoid any mistakes.
What if the SS card has been stolen or lost?
If this is the case, then there is no need to panic. You can
get the replacement of your Social Security card from the SSA for free of cost.
But you are not safe after getting the replacement, you need to file a
complaint with the FTC regarding the theft and start monitoring your credit
reports. Side by side, it should also be your aim to examine the social
security records to make sure that your SSN is not being used for work or any
other purposes in a fraudulent manner.
Get a replacement SS card!
If your card has stolen or misplaced anywhere, then you may
want to obtain its replacement, which you can get by contacting the SSA. Make
sure to give all the essential details and documents that the SSA demands from
you so that they can identify that you are an authenticate person that belongs
to a particular Social Security number. Keep in mind that you are restricted to
3 replacements per year and 10 for the entire life. Hence, keep it in a safe
location.
