Why is it important to keep the Social Security number private?

Your social security is vital. With it, people can look up your finances, your jobs, everything about you. They can apply for credit cards, even get access to your bank accounts.

How can you hope to keep your SSN private when it is required on the checks that you write? It is required to give it to your employer, and if you do any serious work on the internet it is also required before you can get paid. Anyone with a little know how can find your number easily, the idea that you are anonymous on the internet is a myth. Your SSN was never intended to be used as an identifier for any other reason than your SS account, yet it is commonly required when it is really no ones business out side of those who truly need to know. That would be you, SS, and your employer(s). Oh yeah, almost forgot about our friends at the IRS. Those are the only ones who need to know your number. Try getting a credit card without one though. Or buy a house or enter into any contract. Your number is out there for the taking, and even question remains. How do you protect it, when it is already out there for the taking?

so people don't get credit cards in your name, and rack up a bunch of fun bills just for you