who is it okay to give your SS# to?

Question

You hear all the time not to give yiour social security # to ANYONE, but usually when I deal with a business, that's one of the first questions thay ask. I alway respond "Why do you need to know that?" The usual response is something along the lines of "To confirm your identity" or "To make sure you are the person with which we are dealing."

So what's the scoop? Is there anyone that it's okay to give this information such as utility companies?

Answer 1

if you are applying for a job its ok, and most companies are very careful with peoples' identity information.
Just make sure that its not a scam!

Answer 2

You need to provide it to banks and other investment and lending firms and your employer. You are not required to provide it to anyone else.

I am asked for it all the time and refuse to provide it. The standard reason for asking is "we need it for identification purposes", which is pure bunk. A social security number is no more unique than the combination of your name and mailing address. If someone persists I tell them simply to make one up using any combination of nine numbers they choose.

I have NEVER been refused service because I would not provide my SS number. It is your number and you DO NOT have to ask why an organization needs it. The answer is always as you suggest. So, quit asking and simply state that you don't provide it except as required by law.

If you are dealing with someone like a utility and just starting your financial life then you might have to put up a small deposit in lieu of providing an SS number (which they want for a credit check). Usually, you can recover your deposit after a few months of prompt payments.

Incidentally, all that is needed to get the identity theft process going is your SS number and mailing address.

Answer 3

Its probably okay to give it. I have worked in retail and now work in an optometrist office and we do use the ss# for that reason. Its really hard to do anything with just an ss#. When it becomes a problem is when someone has your credit card, a check, your id, and ss#. Then some damage can be done. Thats why its best not to have it written on your checks or in your wallet. (Its best to memorize it.) As far as I know people don't ask for it to be written on checks and instead your drivers license number is for that same reason of having it plus a check. So unless they have your purse don't worry too much about giving it. I don't. A good compromise would be to give them the last four digits of your SS# that should be enough to verify that it is you.
Hope this helps.

Answer 4

To employers, banks. Other than that ask why they need your SS#. It is the most sacred number you have. Don't just pass it out to anyone. Never one unless you are one a site like a banks that you trust.

Answer 5

for a job its ok for applying for credit its ok. opening a bank account. dont give it to someone who calls you or give it on an email. trust your gut if it doesnt feel right dont give it out.

Answer 6

me