Identity Theft/Fraud Tip

Posted on July 5, 2012 in In The News for Dorothy Love Retirement Community

Protect your Social Security number

Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give your Social Security number only when absolutely necessary, and ask to use other types of identifiers. If your state uses your Social Security number as your driver's license number, ask to substitute another number. Do the same if your health insurance company uses your Social Security number as your policy number.

Your employer and financial institutions will need your Social Security number for wage and tax reporting purposes. Other businesses may ask you for your Social Security number to do a credit check if you are applying for a loan, renting an apartment, or signing up for utilities. Sometimes, however, they simply want your Social Security number for general record keeping. If someone asks for your Social Security number, ask:

Why do you need my Social Security number? How will my Social Security number be used? How do you protect my Social Security number from being stolen? What will happen if I don't give you my Social Security number? If you don't provide your Social Security number, some businesses may not provide you with the service or benefit you want. Getting satisfactory answers to these questions will help you decide whether you want to share your Social Security number with the business. The decision to share is yours.

For more info on Identity Theft/Scams or to share your experiences, call Deb Sanders at 937-497-6543.