In a recent study, it was noticed that hackers stole the Social Security numbers (SSN) of around 36,000 people including intelligence officers. The details of various celebrities, political leaders, defence personnel, etc were also hacked by the thieves. The study also revealed the fact that thieves have inappropriately accessed more than 600 million consumer files since 2004. A recent report by Javelin Strategy & Research states the fact that those consumers whose Social Security number was exposed in a data breach are more likely to become victims of fraud. So, BEWARE! Don’t share your social security numbers with anyone, unless it becomes necessary to do so.
Here is a list of certain places that don’t require your Social Security number in any way. So there is no need to share the details with these organizations:
1. Supermarkets or Shopping Malls: If you’re a frequent shopper, then there is a high chance that you will have a shopper card. Note that such a card is not a loan or a bank account. It is just a tool for the supermarket or the shopping mall to track your purchases. But, it has been noted that many shopping malls or supermarkets, ask for social security numbers when you fill out their shopper card application form. Hence, next time onward, avoid sharing your social security number on such a form.
2. Public Schools: Well, you don’t have to give them your Social Security number to get your contact details. They can get your mailing address from your utility bills. You can give them your e-mail address or your phone number in order to get in touch with you. Don’t share your social security number with them.
3. Getting an official looking e-mail or call: Many a times, we get a official sounding call asking us to verify our SSN or an official looking e-mail with a url to a website asking you to put in your SSN. Unless you find that everything is secure, DO NOT enter your SSN. Unless you control the whole interaction, don’t share the SSN.
4. Salesmen on the street: There will be many people who will approach you on the street for a voter registration campaign, free T-shirts sponsored by some company, etc. While doing so, they may ask you to fill out a form wherein you may have to put in your Social Security number. Never do so. Better to buy such things from a shop or contact the county board of elections in person for voter registration.
5. Summer camps, Little leagues, etc: These groups don’t require your social security numbers in any way. If they need address verification, provide them with your utility bills. Provide them with your e-mail address or phone number if they wish to get in touch with you. If they ask for your daughter’s birth certificate, show it to them. Don’t let them keep it unless they can prove that it will be secure with them. Pay for the activities upfront so that they don’t ask for your Social security number.
So, make sure that you just don’t hand over the Social security number to anyone! Take a minute and think whether or not it is necessary to share the number. Negotiate with the concerned person so that you don’t have to share it. In case, it becomes necessary to share the number, make sure that it will be protected against all kinds of fraud or theft.