Your Social Security number is the key.Originally, your Social Security number (SSN) was a way for the government to track your earnings and pay you retirement benefits. But over the years, it has become much more than that. 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. Show
Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet.You don't need to have your Social Security card with you at all times. Keep it at home in a safe place. Check for other cards that may have your SSN on them. Ask questions when they ask for your Social Security number.There is no law that prevents businesses from asking for your SSN. And you may be denied service if you don't give the number. If giving your SSN to a business doesn't seem reasonable to you, ask if you can show another form of identification. Or ask if the business can use another number as your customer number. Remember that some government agencies can require your SSN. These agencies include DMV, welfare offices, and tax agencies. Look for the required "disclosure" form. The form should state if giving the number is required or optional, how it will be used, and the agency's legal authority to ask for it.1 California law limits the public display of Social Security numbers.A California law bars organizations from publicly displaying SSNs2. The law prohibits:
Getting a new Social Security number is probably not a good idea.Victims of identity theft sometimes want to change their Social Security number. The Social Security Administration very rarely allows this. In fact, there are drawbacks to changing your number. It could result in losing your credit history, your academic records, and your professional degrees. The absence of any credit history under the new SSN would make it difficult for you to get credit, rent an apartment, or open a bank account. Here's where to get more information on Social Security numbers.Identity Theft: If you think an identity thief is using your SSN to work or to collect benefits, call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. If you think someone may be using your SSN to work, check your Social Security Personal Earnings and Benefit Statement. You can get a copy by calling 1-800-772-1213, or online at www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-7004.pdf. Also see the Social Security Administration's booklet "Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number," at www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.html. History of SSNs: For a chronology of the laws relating to SSNs, see www.ssa.gov/history/ssn/ssnchron.html. What the Numbers Mean: For an explanation of the meaning of the numbers in SSNs and answers to other questions about SSNs, see www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/. More on Protecting your SSN: "Fact Sheet 10: My Social Security Number: How Secure Is It?" from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, at www.privacyrights.org. Recommended Practices: For recommendations on how organizations can protect privacy in their handling of SSNs, see Recommended Practices for Protecting the Confidentiality of Social Security Numbers on the Business page at www.privacy.ca.gov. Notes1See uncodifed Section 7 of the federal Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S. Code 552a. Back to link 1 2 California Civil Code § 1798.85. Back to link 2 Identity theft cases surged in New York State in 2020, inflicting financial losses on individuals and threatening disruption to government programs as well as private financial institutions, according to Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Read the May 2021 New York
State Comptroller's report The Increasing Threat of Identity Theft to learn more Thieves with access to personal information – Social Security number, birth certificate, PIN or credit card numbers, even pre-approved credit card solicitations – can steal your identity and apply for credit in your name, racking up huge debts without you even knowing that it has happened…until it’s too late.
Identity thieves also use individuals’ personally identifiable information for a variety of other purposes, including fraudulently obtaining medical services, unemployment insurance, prescription drugs or medical insurance coverage. To protect yourself, follow these suggestions: Safeguard Your Personal Information:
Protect Your Bank Accounts and Your Mail:
Protect Yourself on the Internet and Protect Your Computer:
If You Are a Victim of Identity Theft:
Certegy Inc.: (800) 437-5120
Can you put a freeze on your Social Security number?If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).
What can someone do with your Social Security number?A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, when they use the credit cards and don't pay the bills, it damages your credit.
How can you change your Social Security number?To request a different Social Security number, contact your local Social Security office for an in-person appointment.. Sequential numbers assigned to members of the same family are causing problems.. More than one person is assigned or using the same number.. |