subject: Protect Your Social Security Number [print this page] "Everybody has a Social Security number to which every bit of information about a person is tied. All someone has to do is type an SSN into an SSN search site and the subject's bank account number, residence, phone number and other details such dental or criminal records are revealed. While this information is relevant if the one inquiring about you is out to prove your reliability, the danger is when somebody plans to steal your identity through an SSN search. Below are tips so that you can avoid this situation:
Today, we just can't trust anyone because everyone, most likely, wants your SSN. This can be someone who wants to know about your credit rating so that they will know whether you are capable of paying a loan or your bills. Some use your name and address changes to keep track of you.
Some companies use social security numbers of people and make them part of their marketing list. This will serve as their leads. A listing with these numbers is more important than a list without them.
The higher the number of persons who see your SSN, the more vulnerable you are to identity theft, that is, somebody posing as you by using your name and credit rating to embezzle money.
Today, many Americans have been victimized by this crime. These costs are eventually passed on to consumers.
There are certain business establishments who ask for your SSN but there are certain agencies that really demand for it. Tax departments, welfare departments or motor vehicle departments are some of these agencies that demand your SSN. Transactions that involve taxes like banks, brokerages, employers and the like have a legitimate need for your Social Security number. You must remember that most other businesses don't have the legal right to demand your social security number. But remember that you have the right to say no to these businesses. Offer to provide them an alternative identification card. If they insist, then refrain from doing any business with them. Remember, it's also possible that they would refuse to provide the product or service that you are seeking.
Chances are, a good number of companies that routinely ask for an SSN will agree to do business with you even if you refrain from providing them the number. These companies may ask for a Social Security number to open an account but the information is not required. It is just part of the record of the customer.
Some companies follow an operating procedure if people refuse to give their SSN. Some would administer a questionnaire so that they will have a way of finding about their credit history. Doing this; they won't have to do credit checks. They will only count on the person's words.
