Why You Should Keep Your Social Security Number Safe

A Social Security Number is usually permanent. It’s not easy to get a new one. If your SSN has been exposed to theft, you’ll have to stay on the alert for the rest of your life.

This is because thieves can do a number of things with your Social Security Number. Be it opening credit cards, bank accounts, get medical care and file taxes and so on and so forth.

 Of course, if you are looking to avail of benefits, you’ll have to provide your social security number. Now, not all benefits that you apply for will require your SSN. Make sure you find out whether the SSN is necessary or not or leave that field blank on the form.

For that matter, don’t even carry your social security card in your wallet. Keep it safely locked in a safe at home. Also shred unnecessary documents that have your social security number on it.

Of course, there are plenty of scammers who can pose as a government agency, bank or other entity just to get your social security number. Ensure you double-check their credentials before giving out any information much less your social security number.

In the situation where your social security number has been compromised, make sure you notify the account managers. Ensure that you check your credit report while informing the credit bureaus of this development. An identity theft police report is also something that you have to do.

Now, if this continues to happen for a while, then you can get a new Social Security number. Unfortunately, there can be a number of complications along with the procedure. It’s not easy. Not only will you be able to use your prior credit history but making financial applications will be pretty difficult too.

In other words, and when it comes to your Social Security Number, it’s better safe than sorry.