A Social Security number is important because you need it to get a job, collect Social Security benefits and get some other government services . You should keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers and avoid giving it out unnecessarily.
Why is it important to protect my Social Security number? A Social Security number can be used to steal your identity (commonly called identity theft) to commit fraud , open new credit and bank accounts, get medical care/other benefits and obtain employment.
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, they use the credit cards and don't pay the bills, it damages your credit.
Is it illegal to not have a Social Security number?
Lawfully admitted noncitizens can get many benefits and services without a Social Security number . ... Although many companies, such as banks and credit companies, may ask for your Social Security number, you generally aren't required to provide one if you don't have one.
Can someone access my bank account with my Social Security number?
In person, a bank may also accept a physical Social Security card, passport or Real ID in addition to your Social Security number . Someone might also try to use your Social Security number to open new financial accounts. They may have some success getting a credit card or loans under your name with your ssn.
Can you change your SSN?
You can't change your Social Security number simply because your card has been lost or stolen , or to avoid bankruptcy or legitimate debts. The only other reasons Social Security will consider assigning a new number are: Sequential numbers assigned to members of your family are causing confusion.
How do I know if someone is using my Social Security number?
To see if your Social Security number is being used by someone else for employment purposes, review your Social Security Statement at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to look for suspicious activity. Finally, you'll want to use additional scrutiny by regularly checking your bank and credit card accounts online.
What should I do if my SSN is compromised?
- File a police report or a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Report. ...
- If you believe your identity has already been used, you can also contact the Social Security Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.
How do I protect my Social Security number?
- Ask Why They Want It and How It Will Be Handled. ...
- Leave Your Card at Home. ...
- Shred Mail and Documents With Personal Details. ...
- Don't Use Your SSN as a Password. ...
- Don't Send Your SSN via an Electronic Device. ...
- Don't Give It out to Strangers. ...
- Monitor Your Bank and Credit Card Accounts.
Who can legally ask for your SSN?
Who has the right to request your SSN? Federal law mandates that state Departments of Motor Vehicles, tax authorities, welfare offices, and other governmental agencies request your SS number as proof that you are who you claim to be.
What is the highest Social Security number?
- The first set of three digits is called the Area Number.
- The second set of two digits is called the Group Number.
- The final set of four digits is the Serial Number.
Who needs Social Security number?
You do need to give your Social Security number (SSN) to:
Companies from which you are applying for credit: credit cards, loans of any type, cell phone service . Your department of motor vehicles . Employers . The three main credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Can someone access my bank account without my Social Security number?
You are not required to have a social security number to open a checking or savings account . To open a checking or savings account, the bank or credit union will need to verify your name, date of birth, address, and ID number.
What bank is my Social Security number linked to?
Your SSN is tied to Social Security Administration which is tied directly to the Federal Reserve System , which is privately owned by stock-holding banks, one of which is Barclay's, a Royal Britich Bank, as well as several American banks, which are also British owned and controlled.
Is it bad if someone knows your Social Security number?
Your SSN is the key to your identity. And that's why it's so vulnerable: if a hacker gets ahold of it, they're able to crack open the most secure of accounts and wreak havoc on your life. ... Unfortunately, not everyone knows when they've been a victim of Social Security number identity theft.
Can a person have 2 Social Security numbers?
“Social Security numbers can be associated with multiple individuals , and that individuals can have multiple SSNs associated with them.
