Social Security numbers are known to be a primary ID in the
USA. During the whole life, you have been told to make your SSN secret with
you. There are some conditions, in which you are requested to show your SSN in
the USA. Situations like when you are visiting the doctor, going to open a bank
account, or beginning a new job. Have you ever considered the safety of your
Social Security Number? If not, then you need to do this so that you may not
end up in any dangerous condition. You will have to know all the things related
to the SSN if you are interested in keeping it safe and secret.
Where the SSN is needed?
First of all, it would be great if you know where or who
needs your SSN and where you need to avoid giving it to anyone. Make sure you
know the thing that not everyone who wants this number actually needs it. If it
is related to the Internal Revenue Service, then this is the place where you
have to give your SSN to them. In this service, your bank, your lender, your
employer, welfare or state departments, the US Treasury or Savings Bonds,
workers’ compensation, and state unemployment insurance departments are
included.
Even though, other businesses and institutions have the
right to ask for your SSN, the more chances they do not need it. in any case,
if they ask you to give your number, you are not lucky enough because if you
say no to them, then the higher chances they are going to refuse to avail
services to you. Moreover, they can also make you fall into the trap of some
conditions to get their services like additional or deposit fees.
On the overall, you need to know how to safeguard your
Social Security Number at any cost. There are some essential things you can do
to protect your SSN. Let’s discuss some vital tips, which are mentioned below:
Give an alternative option
When they ask you to provide your SSN, then there is an
alternative option for you that you can provide your driving license number. Of
course, there are some other options you can consider including proof of
previous and current address, passport, or even a student Identification proof
from a university or college.
Do not take your card with you
It is a great idea if you keep your card at home. There is
no need to carry your card around with you in your purse or wallet. Moreover,
you should avoid entering the SS card details into your laptop, phone or other
device. There are only a few chances when you need your card outside. You
should recite your card, which is enough to provide.
Go for queries
There are some situations, in which some businesses insist
you to give the SSN. It is your duty or can say the right to know why they need
your SSN and how it will be used or managed. In this situation, you can ask the
below-mentioned questions:
- Why is having your SSN necessary?
- How will your SSN be stored?
- With whom will you share my SSN if you are going to provide it?
- Will they cover your losses or liability if the SSN is compromised or stolen?
- Do they have a privacy policy and may you see it?
Once you ask these questions, you will be very clear whether
or not you should give it to them.
Scrap documents
When you discard documents and mails, they work as a magnet
for thieves who want to take your identity in their hands. It is advisable not
to throw out papers having personal information like SSN. All you need to do is
to have a shredder at discounted prices or office supply store and then try to
use it on a day-to-day basis. Sometimes, we tend to leave the mail in the
outside mailbox for a long time. In this case, we are giving a direct way to a
thief to steal the information. So, it is good if you neglect these things to
do.
Avoid broadcasting
Some people do what, they type their SSN into their emails
or instant messaging options and send it. Most of the times, some email
messages can be captured and read in transmission. In addition. Leaving a voice
mail that has SSN is also not a good idea. The best way to provide your SSN is
by visiting personally, preventing the chances of being stolen. Another method
you can go with is to call them.
Do not make it your password
Many people tend to use their DOBs or essential numbers like
Social Security Number as a password. This is not a good thing to do. The
reason to avoid this thing is that the file of the password can be stolen and
decrypted. Even, there is a chance when a person can just watch you type it by
sitting along with you.
Be careful while giving the Social Security Number
From this context, it means that a person needs to avoid
giving the SSN to the person who is calling you and you do not know who he or
she is. Additionally, if someone emails you and requests you’re SSN, avoid
giving it there. Unless a person has the right and reason to get your SSN,
avoid giving it.
Watch everything
Last but not the least, it is also a general thing to watch
everything related to the bank or credit card balances. Make sure that your
identity and SSN have not been compromised. Even, the financial institutions
and banks allow you sign up for account alerts. If any transaction happens,
they will call you or send messages immediately to warn you, in any case, if
someone makes an attempt to use your SSN.
These tips will definitely help you and give you an
excellent way to protect your SSN on the whole. So, use them!
