Guard Your Social Security Number
Guarding your Social Security Number is vital in terms of minimizing your risk of identity theft. With your Social Security Number, an identity thief can obtain various kinds of personal information about you. Many times they will use your Social Security Number to apply for credit in your name - and they have no intentions of paying the bill.
Identity thieves will obtain your SSN by searching through your garbage, stealing your mail, stealing wallets or purses, from business or personnel records at work, telephone fraud calls such as posing as a sweepstakes representative or bank employee, etc.
Key point to remember is that your Social Security Number is confidential, it’s important to treat it as such. Do not carry your SSN card in your wallet or purse, shred any and all documents that may show your SSN before throwing in the garbage, do not have your SSN printed on your checks and be very careful as to who you give your SSN to. If you are asked for your SSN by a business or utility company, verify that they have no other options first (ie. will they accept some other form of identification).
If you are concerned that someone may be using your SSN in order to work, you may wish to check your Social Security Statement which lists earnings posted to your Social Security Record. If you do find an error on your Statement, contact Social Security immediately (1-800-772-1213).
Free Resources From Social Security
You can request your Social Security Statement online from Social Security here: Request Social Security Statement
Or you may wish to download the Social Security Statement Request Form and mail it to the address listed on the form: Request Download Social Security Statement Request Form
Free Booklet provided by Social Security:
Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number (.pdf file)
Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number (.html)
You can visit the official Social Security website here: Social Security Online