Whether you're applying for a new credit card, completing a job enrollment process, or filling out a form prior to a doctor's visit, your social security number may be required. While you may know to keep it safe, the best practices in this respect may not be as well-known. For this reason, it's worth discussing a few methods that will keep this unique number safe. Here are a few ways to do so, courtesy of Robert Jain.
One of the best ways to keep your social security number safe is by simply keeping it to yourself. Treat it as you would a password to a social media account; don't let anyone else know it. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule that names like Bob Jain can tell you about. For instance, if you're planning a trip to the optometrist for an eye exam, you may have to provide your SSN so that they can process your information. Even so, such a situation is the exception as opposed to the rule.
You should also be mindful of the businesses that, despite what they say they require, may not need your social security number at all. Of course, you have to be careful about leveraging this, as there are many businesses that absolutely require the SSNs from potential clients. Otherwise, they may be denied service, which can create a slew of other problems. You should know who has access to your number, but not to the point where it inhibits other areas of service.
Next, when you make big purchases and receive billing statements, check your information as thoroughly as possible. If you find that there was a purchase made that you're not familiar with, it's possible that your information was compromised. Such information may include your social security number, which is another reason to keep it to yourself. Fortunately, many banks inform their clients about irregular account activity, so you're not alone in this respect.
Lastly, to keep your social security number as protected as possible, ask about privacy policies that are unique to different companies. Let's say that, for the sake of argument, that you fill out an application for a potential employer. You may have to provide your SSN, which should be your cue to ask why. Discuss how this information will be used, who it will be given to, and the like. The more that you know, the easier it'll be to keep this information safe.
One of the best ways to keep your social security number safe is by simply keeping it to yourself. Treat it as you would a password to a social media account; don't let anyone else know it. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule that names like Bob Jain can tell you about. For instance, if you're planning a trip to the optometrist for an eye exam, you may have to provide your SSN so that they can process your information. Even so, such a situation is the exception as opposed to the rule.
You should also be mindful of the businesses that, despite what they say they require, may not need your social security number at all. Of course, you have to be careful about leveraging this, as there are many businesses that absolutely require the SSNs from potential clients. Otherwise, they may be denied service, which can create a slew of other problems. You should know who has access to your number, but not to the point where it inhibits other areas of service.
Next, when you make big purchases and receive billing statements, check your information as thoroughly as possible. If you find that there was a purchase made that you're not familiar with, it's possible that your information was compromised. Such information may include your social security number, which is another reason to keep it to yourself. Fortunately, many banks inform their clients about irregular account activity, so you're not alone in this respect.
Lastly, to keep your social security number as protected as possible, ask about privacy policies that are unique to different companies. Let's say that, for the sake of argument, that you fill out an application for a potential employer. You may have to provide your SSN, which should be your cue to ask why. Discuss how this information will be used, who it will be given to, and the like. The more that you know, the easier it'll be to keep this information safe.
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Kindly consult Bobby Jain to discover more about finance as a whole.. This article, Social Security Number Protection Tips By Robert Jain is available for free reprint.
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