Social Security #s

[scrapple]

I can't believe how everything in Fl is run on SS#'s. It's such an easy mark for identity theft. I realize that once in the computer it's probably encrypted but in the meantime who knows what is done with the #, what scrap of paper it's written on, etc. I'm used to giving out only the last 4 digits, state ID and maybe date of birth for verification purposes. Sorry for venting, but I feel vulnerable.

[dillywho]

I can't believe how everything in Fl is run on SS#'s. It's such an easy mark for identity theft. I realize that once in the computer it's probably encrypted but in the meantime who knows what is done with the #, what scrap of paper it's written on, etc. I'm used to giving out only the last 4 digits, state ID and maybe date of birth for verification purposes. Sorry for venting, but I feel vulnerable.

:agree:So much for protecting your actual card, huh?

[BogeyBoy]

I can't believe how everything in Fl is run on SS#'s. It's such an easy mark for identity theft. I realize that once in the computer it's probably encrypted but in the meantime who knows what is done with the #, what scrap of paper it's written on, etc. I'm used to giving out only the last 4 digits, state ID and maybe date of birth for verification purposes. Sorry for venting, but I feel vulnerable.

The SSN's are the most common way to ID someone - and because of that those numbers do get thrown all over the place.

I am cautious when I give out the number, and like you hope the encryption works and those scraps of paper get shredded. So far so good.

Like door locks only keep out the honest thieves, shredding and encryption probably only keep out the ones without the determination to get the SSN. I once had a co-worker challenge me to find out their age. They claimed they kept it private - but they issued me the challenge. A few days later I handed them a sealed envelope, date of birth and place of birth. (And I got to date the secretary from Human Resources as a side benefit. A couple of drinks and I got lucky - date and place of birth. - What were you thinking??)

When I was in the Air Force we were assigned a unique AF ID number. One day we were told, forget that number, we're switching to Social Security numbers. I disobeyed that order, I can still remember the number.

[MikeH]

By law you are only required to give your SSN to the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service. Of course, if you don't give it to the bank, the investment company, Utility company, etc., they can refuse to give you their services. But, it's your choice. It's not just FL, it's nation wide.

[Bogie Shooter]

The SSN is the national ID card than everybody is always ranting and raving that we should not have....go figure.

[AnonChick]

You have to provide your SS# when you apply for a job now too. It used to be you could just not fill in that spot on the paper job application. But now it's all done online, and you can't click on "next" until that number has been filled in. Using 000-00-0000 or similar doesn't work either. The application software rejects it.

I've actually gone into stores in attempt to fill out paper applications, only to be told to go to the kiosk in the hallway and apply online at the store. Even when I protest having to include my SS#.

[chacam]

My SS card says "Not to be used for purposes of identification"

[BogeyBoy]

My SS card says "Not to be used for purposes of identification"

I believe they changed that on newer cards.

[scrapple]

By law you are only required to give your SSN to the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service. Of course, if you don't give it to the bank, the investment company, Utility company, etc., they can refuse to give you their services. But, it's your choice. It's not just FL, it's nation wide.

My husband said when he called the gas company today and was asked for his SSN, he refused. They said, "Ok, then give me your driver's license #." There doesn't seem to be consistency and the way it's used seems to be old school. And you're correct, this is all my choice. How about CHACAM's comment that the card says not to be used for identification? We're told to protect the card and not give out the # and then are required to give out the #! State ID should be sufficent, I believe.

[barb1191]

I refuse to give my SS# to anyone who has called me on the phone. I respond that I will call the phone # I use to the particular company/medic/financial org to confirm the legitimacy of the request, and if so, give my # feeling safer for having initiated the call.......b

[redwitch]

I'm truly terrified of giving out my SSN. I've been traced through it three times, which is why there is nothing in Florida in my name. Right now, I'm trying to figure out a way to get my driver's license renewed without giving my SSN. For something that we're supposed to keep private, it is amazing how often the SSN is demanded for no truly good reason.

[K9-Lovers]

I refuse to give my SS# to anyone who has called me on the phone. I respond that I will call the phone # I use to the particular company/medic/financial org to confirm the legitimacy of the request, and if so, give my # feeling safer for having initiated the call.......b

Good Advice, Barb!

[Schaumburger]

Does Florida print resident's Social Security numbers on Driver's Licenses? Illinois stopped doing this about 5 years ago.

I'm always amazed by my coworkers who fax claim forms to the company that administers my company's Flexible Spending Account and the fax confirmation sheet has their Social Security number on it, and many times these confirmation forms don't get picked up by the employee sending the fax. I don't want 40 or more coworkers seeing my SS # or better yet, making a copy of the confirmation form with the SS # on it and doing who knows what with the photocopy.