When opening a bank account or a credit card, you'll typically be required to share your SSN.
An organization's collection and use of SSNs can increase the risk of identity theft and fraud. Each time an individual divulges his or her SSN, the potential for a thief to illegitimately gain access to bank accounts, credit cards, driving records, tax and employment histories and other private information increases.
Anyone can refuse to disclose his or her number, but the requester can refuse its services if you do not give it.
We encourage you not to carry your Social Security card with you every day. The best way to “Guard Your Card” is to keep it in a safe place and share it only when required, which is rare. In fact, in most cases, just knowing the Social Security number should be enough.
Consumer Ed says:
All of them said they could see no valid reason that you should be asked to provide your actual social security card. So, while the request may well be legitimate, it seems outside of normal practices. Before completing this credit card application, make sure you are dealing with a reputable company.
According to the IRS, an employer needs to acquire the name and social security number for every employee and enter them on the employee's W-2 form by requesting the employee to show you their Social Security Card. The employer may make a photocopy of the card as the preferred method as it prevents errors.
Most of the time, it's OK to say no to schools, doctor's offices, sports clubs and many other organizations that may ask for this nine-digit identifier. In fact, safeguarding SSNs is a key first step to protecting against identity theft and other fraud.
Why do employers need my social security number? If an employer decides to extend you an offer, they will eventually need your social security number to verify your identity and work authorization and perhaps to complete a background check.
According to the IRS, “You should ask the employee to show you his or her Social Security card.” While the IRS does not say you should “require” that employees show you the card, you can certainly request that they do so. If the employee provides you with the card, you can make a photocopy of it.
While Social Security income can not be garnished by a credit card company to pay a debt, there is one creditor that can garnish it: the U.S. Department of Treasury. Officially called the Treasury Offset Program, Social Security and other federal retirement benefits can be garnished if you owe: Unpaid federal taxes.
If you need to send credit card information to someone, you should do so using a secure method such as a secure file sharing service or encrypted email. You should also never include credit card information in an email signature, as this can be easily intercepted by someone who has access to your email account.
—A private entity described in the subsection (a) that willfully publishes, discloses, or makes known in any manner, or to any extent not authorized by Federal law, any information obtained under this section shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both, for each such unauthorized ...
The short answer is yes. Although SSNs are often required when applying for a credit card, some issuers accept alternative identification for someone who doesn't have one, such as international students, new residents to the U.S., or noncitizens.
“Businesses, banks, schools, private agencies, etc., are free to request someone's number and use it for any purpose that does not violate a federal or state law,” the Social Security Administration says on its website.
Real debt collectors already know much of your information — e.g., how much you owe, your address, social security number, birthday, etc. But debt collection scammers probably don't have all of your info already, so they'll ask for it.
While employers can ask for your Social, "it absolutely cannot be required to get a job," Hanson said. So it shouldn't be on any job application. If they won't budge and you're not comfortable giving them your personal information, then don't.
Loan applications: You must provide your full social security number when applying for credit. This allows the lender to pull your credit from the credit bureaus to determine your credit worthiness. Employers: When accepting a job position, you must provide your employer with your social security number.
In addition to Social Security, the SSN is now also used for a wide range of purposes. These include obtaining credit, opening a bank account, obtaining government benefits or private insurance, and buying a home or a car.
Federal, state, and local agencies may deny an individual a right, benefit, or privilege provided by law because of such individual's refusal to disclose the individual's social security number if the disclosure is required by federal statute.
Your Social Security number is the key.
It is the key to a lot of your personal information. With your name and SSN, an identity thief could open new credit and bank accounts, rent an apartment, or even get a job.
The majority of such messages can be intercepted and read. Also, don't leave a voicemail that includes your SSN. If you need to contact someone and give them your number, it's best to do it in person. The second best way is to reach them on the phone and do it live.
The card issuer may also ask about your age so they know you are old enough to have the legal ability to enter into a contract. Also, the card issuer may ask for your social security number to get your credit report.
It's a completely secure, one-time only verification process that we have to do as part of how we're regulated in the US. We don't run a credit check or share your number.
You can call the SSA to lock your SSN. Contact them at 1-800-772-1213, and make sure you have additional proof of your identity when you speak to them. Additional forms of identification could include a driver's license or passport.