[rayschic]

Originally Posted by Tom Grooms

Lots of paranoia in this thread. What's the harm in giving it up to a reputable business?

Here's what the Social Security Administration says about identity theft and your SS#.
pages 2-3 in particular
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.pdf

[TrudyM]

Originally Posted by Shanrius

When it comes to Dish and DirectTV service, they require your SS# due to the fact that the installation equipment on average is about $1,200 dollars and a Credit check is required to make sure you will pay or have the means to pay for the services rendered. This is a common pratice nowadays for many companies because most things revolve around credit. The Purpose of a SS# is to identify you as well as for credit. So to answer your question, As long as i knew that my information was safe and secure i would provide it to them just so i could utilize the services they offer.

This got me thinking and this is what I found posted on the web in various places.

They can run a credit check with your name and billing address and a charge card number they do not need your social security number. You can cancel a credit card but your social security info is for life. They do sell info about you to companies read the fine print. They may not sell your social but if it is in their computer any employee with access can copy it and get $1,000 to 5,000 for it.

[kellyjam]

I always had a phony SS# that I made up just for Dr's offices. It's easier than arguing with them.

[keysbabe]

I knew someone who had their identity stolen from a Dr's office employee. It was a nightmare. They have every bit of info on you, including your drivers license and will refuse to see you if not given.

I will not give it out. Just switch a few numbers around.

[Carla B]

So what do you show the doctor if you're on Medicare? The Medicare number is your social security number with an "A" tacked on.

[zcaveman]

Originally Posted by kellyjam

I always had a phony SS# that I made up just for Dr's offices. It's easier than arguing with them.

How do you know that that SS does not belong to someone else? Wouldn't that be a form of identity theft?

[scarecrow1]

That's what I was going to say Carla. The ring that started in Tampa where paying people in doctors offices for lists of SS numbers and then selling them to the crooks. I informed my doctors to make sure they have a security system in place or justo one person doing billing so if it comes back then they no the perp. Think about it, if some people are earning only $8.00 an hour and someone offers them $10,000.00 for a list of fifty names and SS numbers, that's a lot of money.

[elbear]

In Ontario, you are told to NEVER EVER give out your SS #, never carry it with you, lock it in a safe place. You are not obliged to give it to a doctor or anyone...a lot of the time here they just use it for their 'filing' system. Everyone with access to the file, has access to your #. This needs to stop.

[billethkid]

repeating the sage advice....do not give your SS number to anybody. There is no requirement by the medical laws to have a SS number....they get it anyway when you give them your medicare number.

No paranoia involved....just good advice like locking your doors at night when you go to bed!

Repeating again, there are alternatives to getting a credit check WITHOUT a SS number.

[BarryRX]

Originally Posted by Carla B

So what do you show the doctor if you're on Medicare? The Medicare number is your social security number with an "A" tacked on.

LOL...I had forgotten about that! If you're on medicare, you've already given your doctors office your ssn.

[JourneyOfLife]

I would never give that information to any small contractor... NEVER!


I am very careful about giving out any sort of personal information that can be used for identity theft.


I would tell the contractor... I won't be needing your services!

[Hancle704]

Have often wondered why doctors need your SS #, copy of Driver's License and same information for spouse. Then there is an outcry about needing proof of identity to vote.

[CathyandJohn]

I learned a valuable lesson by giving my SS to my doctor's office in Indianapolis. One of her trustworthy office ladies used it as well as my birthdate to open an AT&T account for 4 phones. I did not know this until last month when I received a call from a collection agency. She had a bill over $3000, in my name and they wanted money. Needless to say I was furious and Determined to find the culprit. I narrowed it down, called the office, spoke with the office Manager, Indy police, Sumter Sheriff and have received calls back and they have a suspect. I WILL PROSECUTE, So please, even if they say they will not see you if you don't give your SS, don't give it. It is not worth it. We have spent over $1000 now for LifeLock security. I would recommend everyone look into it. Who would have thought?? Apparently not me :-(