Your Identity

Have you ever wondered why every company you deal with asks you for your social security number? Typically, people just hand it over to them without thinking twice. Now that people are becoming more aware of identy theft there are not as many willing to give it out unless necessary.
Think about who really needs your social secutiry number? Government entities (Tax department vehicle, welfare), money-handling entities (banks, brokerage, and employers).
Most other businesses have no legal right to demand your number. So just say “no.” The less entities that have your social security number–the better. Just ask them if you can use another form of identification. The company might not do business with you, but now you know you do not have to give it to them.

Written by Nagel on October 28th, 2006 with no comments.
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