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Shield your Social Security Number; but here’s what to do if it is stolen - AS.com
Your Social Security Number (SSN) is a very important piece of information, and one which – in the wrong hands – can cause you all sorts of problems. That’s why it’s crucial that you keep your SSN to yourself and not use it for identification nor provide it to anyone who doesn’t have a valid need to know. That means don’t offer it to anyone over the phone, don’t keep it written down on your person, and don’t include it in any electronic messages or internet transactions. Fact is, there are very few reasons why you’ll even need your SSN in daily life, but protecting that number should be high on your priority list.
The problem? Identity theft, which would use your SSN, with other personal information, to steal money from you or take out loans in your name, creating untold havoc on your financial status or even, perhaps, steal your income tax refund. If you suspect your Social Security Number has been stolen, your first step should be to notify the Social Security Administration (1.800.772.1213) and seek their guidance about what steps you should take. Social Security can help you somewhat, but they cannot fully help you resolve the issue which would arise from someone stealing your identity – for more information on that you should go to www.identitytheft.gov, the federal government’s website which provides specific instructions on the steps you need to take to deal with the consequences of your identity being stolen. But the real message here is to be proactive, protect your Social Security Number from being used to steal your identity. All of this is explained in this AS.com article by Maite Knorr-Evans. Click here to read more.