Your Social Security Number and Identity Theft

One's social security number may be a string of numbers that identify an individual. The system was formed precisely to provide protection and security to a man or women through benefits and such. However, in the previous few years, one's SS number has shown to be the cause that threatens both someone's personal protection and security.

Identity theft has been a threat to many individuals in America and throughout the world. Unfortunately, although the number given to you by the Social Securitu Administration really should provide one with security, it has been found most often to be the cause of criminal activity involving stealing someone elses id. For this reason, one must be mindful in giving out one's social security number to prevent identity theft.

Obviously there are extreme measures available like shredding all official documents that incorporate sensitive information such as one's ERSUS. S. N. before disposing of them with your garbage can. This is done to forestall thieves from finding this essential information with your trash. It is kind of extreme though because this scenario seems straight outside of a Hollywood movie but it does happen and so, it is better to err in the side of caution than suffer your tremendous headache, confusion and gigantic injury that besiege victims of identity theft.

On the other hand, there are other simpler ways involving protecting yourself from someone misusing the amount you use on your tax come back to fajg098akj48j identify yourself to the INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. As much as possible, don't carry documents with you with sensitive information like your social security card in your wallet. Find some other safe place to place it. Seems tedious yes but but if your wallet is stolen, all your valuable numbers are left vulnerable to unscrupulous thieves who can compromise your current identity.

A much simpler way of protecting yourself contrary to the theft of your identity is simply by being careful when giving out your current SSN. Remember that mostly, only government agencies have the right to inquire about your social security number. Don't effortlessly give it away to prospective recruiters. Make sure you've got the work first before giving your number out. Also, there will be some retailers that should require you to give information just like your SSN - insist on only giving out the last four numbers.

Unless you feel totally confident in the retailer's protection, don't give them your number. Understand that other than government agencies, no one else really should be given your sensitive numbers although some may gather it. For instance, banks and other lenders may need your social security number to test on your credentials. This is not completely secure but some institutions have credit card and identity protection for a fee and perhaps it's better to do business with financial institutions like these for right risk management.

However, there may end up being some retail outlets, like video stores etc that will ask for your variety. Think twice before giving it out. Yes they may deny you their services unless you comply but there's no reason that you should choose establishments that force you to compromise your security and make you be vulnerable to having your personality stolen.

Your best protection against possessing your identity stolen is caution and also knowledge. Know your rights. Know the rules and regulations which might be out there that should protect you and keep abreast with the dos and don'ts of giving away sensitive information.

In the beginning from Romania, Anghel Delato is a nurse in Brooklyn, where she had her identity stolen. She learned identity theft laws and ways to prevent identity theft. Get more infromation with regards to identity theft and the way to prevent it at http: //www. identityguardreview. net/.