Protecting Your Social Security Number

Your Social Security Number (SSN) is more than just a number. Having access to your SSN, a thief can pretend to be you and open new accounts, obtain a job, apply for loans, etc. Thieves can get a hold of your SSN in multiple ways, so it is important that you do what you can to protect your SSN. Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself:

• Always shred documents with personal information. This includes bills, old credit cards, applications, junk mail, etc.
• Don’t store personal data on your computer’s hard drive. In the event that a thief hacked your computer they would have access to this information.
• Never give out personal information or account numbers in emails. Do not respond to unsolicited emails. It’s better to delete spam emails then to open them to unsubscribe.
• Never give out personal or account information in response to unsolicited phone calls. Your financial institution should never call you asking for your account number. If you receive a phone call and question that person’s employment, ask if you can call them back then call the company’s main number and ask to speak to that person.
• Do not download free music or videos – it may come with programs that allow thieves to snoop on your computer.
• Check your credit report at least annually. Report any errors immediately.
• Check your financial statements as soon as you receive them.
• By law some businesses need your SSN for certain purposes. The Social Security Administration website gives a partial list of situations where you may be asked to provide your SSN. If a company ask for your SSN, ask why they need your number, what happens if you don’t give it and would they accept another form of identification.
• Don’t carry your SSN in your wallet. Leave it in a secured place unless you absolutely need it that day.