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What to do when someone wants your Social Security number
With increasing incidents of identity theft, more attention is being focused on the use of Social Security numbers. Many people do not realize the importance of Social Security numbers and what can happen when their number gets into the hands of the wrong people. Do you know when you are required to give your Social Security number? Here are a few guidelines to help you decide.
Your Social Security number is personal property. If a friend asks to borrow your car, don’t you want to know how it will be used? It’s the same with your Social Security number. To begin with, giving your number is voluntary, just like letting someone borrow your car. Before you give your number, you should ask:
• why your number is needed,
• if giving your number is mandatory or voluntary,
• how your number will be used,
• what happens if you refuse, and
• what law requires you to give your number.
The answers to these questions can help you decide. The decision is yours.
One place you will need to use your Social Security number is when you do business with Social Security. When you contact Social Security, they will ask you for your full name and Social Security number. Social Security needs your number because they:
• keep records based on each person’s Social Security number,
• use your number to look up the information they have about you—a record of the benefits they pay you, or other personal information about you such as medical records,
• may have trouble finding your information and be unable to answer your questions or provide you with information if you don’t give them your Social Security number.
What happens when other people ask for your Social Security number? The Privacy Act says that no federal, state, or local government agency may deny you any right, benefit, or privilege under the law because you refuse to give your Social Security number unless:
• disclosure of your number is required by Federal law, or
• disclosure of your number is required under a law or regulation in effect before September 1, 1975, the implementation date of the Privacy Act.
You can also keep your Social Security card safe by not carrying it in your wallet or purse.
This article was provided by the Social Security Administration and Internal Revenue Service.