5 Ways to Keep Your Social Security Number Safe and Guard against Identity Theft

As hackers devise more innovative ways to steal information from cyberspace, most consumers know that keeping your Social Security number (SSN) from strangers is one of the surest ways to guard against identity theft.


“The fact is, the fewer places your information resides online, the less chance it will be stolen,” says Credit.com’s Adam Levin. “Yet some of us are inclined to give our numbers out any time somebody asks for it.”

For example, he added, the forms you fill out at a doctor’s office routinely ask for your SSN – primarily to help in tracing you down if you default on your bill. But, in most cases, the office will be satisfied with the name and phone number of a relative who can provide the number if needed.

Levin points out five instances when you should never provide your SSN:

Companies or organizations who ask by mail or email – No matter how ‘official-looking’ a letter or email appears, credit card companies and retailers have no reason to ‘confirm’ your personal information. Call the customer service number listed on the back of the suspect credit card to reaffirm that your information is secure.

Anyone who telephones or stops you on the street – Don’t divulge your number to anyone on the phone, especially of you have not initiated contact – and don’t give it to anyone in any public place no matter what allegedly ‘free’ product or service they promise to give you.

Public schools - Your utility bill confirms your address, and your email and phone number give them channels to contact you in an emergency. Asking for your SSN is simply not necessary.

Little League, summer camp et al – For the same reasons, your SSN should never be required by sports organizations or other children’s groups. If you use credit to pay for the activity, it may be needed. If you pay upfront or with a direct debit to your bank account or credit card, they don’t.

Supermarkets – A frequent shopper card is neither a loan, nor a bank account. It’s a tool grocery stores use to track your purchases, primarily for marketing purposes. Yet many supermarket chains request customers’ Social Security numbers on their application forms. Refuse to provide it.