One Little Number...

Well, the social security is really a form of identity and you cannot open a bank account, get a job or go to the hospital without this number because they need to have proof that this is you before they offer their services to you. Also, they want to make sure that you claim your salary to Uncle Sam. I know how you feel because there is so many identity problems.

I never give mine out unless I'm dealing with a government agency. I've had lots of businesses, banks and other people who have requested it give me a hard time about it, and yes, even refuse service. But I stand my ground because I know that they really can't deny me, and I have the right NOT to give it, so no matter how they try to intimidate me, I stand my ground. Eventually they give in because they know I'm right and they are wrong! I'm not really popular in some places anymore! LOL

it has already cause some people troubles with ID theft. and I wont give mine out on thephone also it isnt surpose to be put out like an ID in the first place I know hospitals hav eto have it and doctors as they copy it. but other than that ya really dont need to give it ou what new ID cards I know sone states have it on your drivers licence but you can requet them to leave it off of them.

I've heard that it was never intended that our Social Security numbers should be used for identification. I have refused to give out my number. That's how identity thieves steal your information, or at least one of the ways. I have to have my number on my insurance forms, and other things that are supposed to be confidential, but so many people can get their hands on that stuff. I definitely will not give it out on the phone. I was happy when I renewed my driver's license last month, that my new drivers license does not have my social security number on it. They changed it because of the possibility of identity theft. I don't know how often I've shown my driver's license for some purpose, and copies were made, like at the bank when I opened an account.

I almost never ever am asked nor do I give my social security number to anyone. I have not once ever been asked for it to cash a check or pay my bills. If I call up my bank, they will ask for it before giving out any information but if they call me for any reason....never do they ask. I don't even have it listed on my drivers licence. I think you need to start questioning why all these people want your #. It doesn't sound right.

I was shocked when I moved to the states how often peopl attempt to ask for your SS Number in the UK the equivalent National Insurance number is rarely if ever asked for it is used for tax and health purposes only. Never as a credit check or the like. I was also shocked to see how you have address and telephone number on check books that is unheard of in the UK also where only the account holders name appears. If people want unique ID why cant they just use the drivers licence which at least has a picture on it.

Well certain companies will ask for such things like a social security number to do background checks... most though already have them on file but personally i think are to lazy to look it up so they have to ask over and over again... However when cashing checks at banks if you are going to a different one each time yes they are going to ask for it because of so much identity theft that they need to make sure you are the right person and you aren't cashing someone else's checks... I will only give such information though to a doctor unless it's something that I am going to purchase like a car or something. other than that I won't.. Only certain information should be given out anyway...

I do not have any place that I have to give it out. In our state the made it the law that you CANNOT have it on the DL. Actually, I think that it is a Federal law. I have given it occasionally for some financially related secure sites online. That is when I get a bit nervous.

You can report them to the government, only certain people really need your social security number and if gotten into the wrong hands, it can wreck havoc on your life.

I know exactly what you mean. It is quite unnerving the way they ask for it, as if it is not one of the most important numbers attached to our identities. It seems that the more important the number becomes to us, the more the companies want us to give it out for the smallest things. I guess we will have to start passing some offers up, just to keep ourselves safe. Either that or really lean to trust in God.

I have to agree with you that you can't do anything without someone wanting this number. Lots of times I will just give the last four digits of my Social Security number. I don't know why people like the Doctor need that number. Yep, that is one of my pet peeves that everyone seems to want it!

I only give out my SS# to the hospital or a business where I am applying for a job, but for minor reasons where they don't need it, no I don't give it out..

It is just the custom in places like hospitals and insurances that they use your social security and you cannot even be admitted for patients care without it so relax. that is a good usage and safe. but when I do a survey and they ask for my social security number there is no way as they have no need for that. no place that asks for it and I do not know these people or this busines will I give it to them. your bank, your health insurance and doctor and clinic okay thats safe but no unknown entity should ever get your social security number, not ever. The places where you must give it are all secured places meaning nobody but them will ever have your social security number.any business on the net that does not have an icon showing a lock is unsafe for divulging any private information at all. they might want to sellyou somehting and ask for your credit card number but if they do not have that lock do not do business with them.

One is the loneliest Number..had to sing too..LOL I'm very tired after always giving my numbers out..I feel very impersonal afterwards like thats all i am... a number..some places when they ask..I figure if they will ask i will too..so i said whats yours? Sometimes they laugh and some just don't get it! One time I was asked and I said whats my info got anything to do with what i want..i just wanted to find out where the next Mcdonalds was..LOL

I hate having to give it out, but what can you do. I do think it is asked for too much, though. What new card are you talking about? I didn't know they were coming out with a new card with all of your information on it. Giving out your information to anyone can be harmful, because you don't know if that person is going to copy it down or not. That's why it's important to always keep a check on your credit report. That way if something is there that you didn't actually do, you can report it. But even that can be bothersome.

Good mornin' twoey. I never give out my full ss. If they really need it that bad, I just tell them the last 4 digits and that's it. I had an agrument with someone at the hospital once over my ss. I refused to give her the whole number and she claimed she couldn't identify me with just the last 4 numbers. I finally told her I wanted to talk to her boss. Boss comes over, sees what's going on and punched the last 4 numbers in and volia..there I be on the screen. We both look at the chick like she was born dumb.

The only time our number gets used is when we go to a new doctors, pharmacy or are dealing with our social security office. Other than that, it is tucked away collecting dust.

It was never supposed to be used for identification purposes and yet your're right, everyone asks for it! I bothers me, especially within earshot of others. I thought about carrying it with me and just presenting the card but then if my purse were stolen, someone would have my number. It'd be nice if we didn't have to give it to anyone, I don't understand the need for that anyway. I remember as a child and young adult, nobody asked for it but maybe that's because there were less people and less fraud then.

I do hate giving mine out. In fact, the hubby and I will finally be cutting the cord with our accountant when taxes are due next year because, over the course of the past 10 years, we have asked him not to put our SSNs on out paperwork that he sends through the mail. He doesn't need to and he agreed that he wouldn't and, in fact, he thanked us for our suggestion as he was sure that we weren't the only ones of his clients that might be bothered by his carelessly putting out SSNs on paperwork sent out through the mail. So, he told us he would stop doing that. He stopped it for one year and then went right back to doing it again. And, we have had mail stolen from our mailbox before so, we really have been very afraid. So, in addition to him putting our very dangerous and private SSNs on our paperwork for anyone to steal and run away with 2 new identities, he also kept raising his rates each year. So, enough is enough. We should be charging him for the way he endangered our identities. If I am in a store applying for a department store credit card, I will write my SSN down on a slip of paper and hand it to the store clerk helping me, keep my eyes on it while it is in their possession and take it back to be shredded later. I will never say it out loud as you never know who is making note of it behind or around you.

It is just like opening the door wider to identity theft.. Your identity can be stolen and your life ruined if your personal information is obtained by someone dishonest.. There is a commercial where the man who founded the company gives his S.S. # on the commercial and he guarantees that if you sign up for his service, that he will cover up to a million dollars in losses, if it doesn' work.. I believe it is called "LifeLock' or something like that.. Myself, I would just like to keep a small piece of my personal life just that, Personal.. Have a great day, Donna