If you think withholding your SSN protects you from identity theft, then you would probably be mistaken. The fact that you are able to secure credit and transact other business without giving your full SSN should tell you that someone does not necessarily need your full SSN to use your identity. There are many ways that you can be violated by a thief without them having your SSN.
I'm not saying you shouldn't protect your SSN and other personal data, but if you don't trust major, known companies such as T-Mobile you may be restricting your ability to obtain goods and services that you may want or need. If you've bought a home, a car, a golf cart, or have credit cards you've probably given your SSN to obtain those goods and services. If your SSN is out there it can be obtained by other methods than your giving it to a company like T-Mobile.
|