When should I give out my Social Security number?

Your employer and financial institutions will need your Social Security number for wage and tax reporting purposes. Other businesses may ask you for your Social Security number to do a credit check if you are applying for a loan, renting an apartment, or signing up for utilities. Sometimes, however, they simply want your Social Security number for general record keeping. If someone asks for your Social Security number, ask:

  • Why do you need my Social Security number?
  • How will my Social Security number be used?
  • How do you protect my Social Security number from being stolen?
  • What will happen if I don't give you my Social Security number?

If you don't provide your Social Security number, some businesses may not provide you with the service or benefit you want. Getting satisfactory answers to these questions will help you decide whether you want to share your Social Security number with the business. The decision to share is yours.

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1. What is identity theft?
2. How can I minimize my risk?
3. I have a computer and use the Internet. What should I be concerned about?
4. What is an active duty military alert?
5. Are companies allowed to print my entire credit card number on my receipt?
6. When should I give out my Social Security number?
7. What do I do if I think my identify has been stolen?