How to Protect Your SSN from Theft

The key purpose of issuing an SSN card is to track the financial details and work experience of the people. But at the same time, it is important to safeguard your SSN card from being stolen. This article provides you with the necessary information that helps you to safeguard your SSN card.

What is an SSN Card?

Social Security Number is a unique 9-digit number that is issued by the government of the United States. The Social Security Administration issues the SSN to every citizen of the United States. But how to get your SSN. The SS Card Application procedure involves a series of steps that must be followed precisely.
The key purpose of this SSN card is to track the identity of the individuals for social security purposes. Also, to get your first job and to avail Social Security benefits from the government, this number is necessary. But at the same time, there come several risks in revealing your SSC number.
If your SSC number is revealed or the card is stolen, there are high chances for you to land up in trouble. This is because a lot of personal and confidential information is linked with this SSN card. If the thief knows your number, then it is easy for him to track all the confidential information about you.

How to Safeguard Your SSN?

Originally, the SSN card was issued by the government of the United States to track your wages/earnings/income and based on that your retirement benefits will be paid. Later, the purpose of the card has changed, and now it is much more than the actual purpose. To make it simple, it is a single key that has access to all your personal information.
Following are the steps to be taken to safeguard your SSN card:

• Keep your SSN card safe; do not carry it where ever you go – You need not carry your Social Security card where ever you go. You can keep it in a safe place – either at home or in any other safe place.
• Be cautious when you reveal your SSN – Ask a few questions before you reveal your number. Certain businesses deny your request if you don’t present your SSN card. Remember, SSN is mandatory only for government agencies.
• According to California State Law, public display of Social Security Numbers is limited/restricted. Printing of your SSN on ID cards or in badges is strictly prohibited. Also, printing of SSNs on documents or in any other places is illegal. This law is applicable even for business organisations, government agencies, and other private entities.
• If your SSN card is stolen or lost, you need not get a new SSN. Applying for a new SSN card can be a bad idea because, in most of the cases, the government does not accept the change of the Social Security Number.

Therefore, it is important that you keep your original SSN card safely. Revealing your SSC number to unknown persons and private agencies may land you up in trouble and is also said to be illegal.