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.
When it comes to social security number safety, keeping it to yourself is a great place to begin. In other words, don't freely give it out, even to family members. You may never know when such information will become lost and fall into the wrong hands. Only provide it to those that absolutely require it. According to names such as Bob Jain, such parties include doctors and banks, as they are likely to require such information before moving forward.
What about the businesses that may not require your social security number to move forward with services? It's not uncommon to speak to those in charge regarding the necessity of your SSN before having it leveraged in your favor. However, for many businesses, this information is absolutely required, which means that you may be denied service if you're unwilling to budge. Nonetheless, it doesn't hurt to inquire ahead of time.
You should also be mindful of looking over your billing statements to see if there are any irregularities. For instance, if you see a large payment made at a retailer that's in another state, you should be compelled to consult your bank. In fact, many banks have automated alerts set up, meaning that they will be able to reach out to you when such a situation arises. Your bank may also tell you if your social security number was compromised.
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.
When it comes to social security number safety, keeping it to yourself is a great place to begin. In other words, don't freely give it out, even to family members. You may never know when such information will become lost and fall into the wrong hands. Only provide it to those that absolutely require it. According to names such as Bob Jain, such parties include doctors and banks, as they are likely to require such information before moving forward.
What about the businesses that may not require your social security number to move forward with services? It's not uncommon to speak to those in charge regarding the necessity of your SSN before having it leveraged in your favor. However, for many businesses, this information is absolutely required, which means that you may be denied service if you're unwilling to budge. Nonetheless, it doesn't hurt to inquire ahead of time.
You should also be mindful of looking over your billing statements to see if there are any irregularities. For instance, if you see a large payment made at a retailer that's in another state, you should be compelled to consult your bank. In fact, many banks have automated alerts set up, meaning that they will be able to reach out to you when such a situation arises. Your bank may also tell you if your social security number was compromised.
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 learn more regarding finance in general.. This article, Robert Jain: How To Keep Your Social Security Number Safe is available for free reprint.
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