Social Security Number Basics
A Social Security number (SSN) is a nine digit identification number that has become a universal identifier for both the government and the private sector in the U.S.
Read MoreA Social Security number (SSN) is a nine digit identification number that has become a universal identifier for both the government and the private sector in the U.S.
Read MoreA Social Security number can be used to steal your identity (commonly called identity theft) to commit fraud, open new credit and bank accounts, get medical care/other benefits and obtain employment.
Read MoreThere are a few situations in which you must provide your Social Security (SSN) number to a business, including
Read MoreOthers can get your personal information in many ways including
data breaches discarded documents stolen wallets/purses stolen mail phishingWhile you can't always prevent identity theft, you can reduce your risk.
Read MoreWith Visa and MasterCard, no. They both have rules that limit stores from requiring you to show your ID as a condition of purpose. These rules also make them accept your card even if you refuse to show your ID. Read More
Tim recently discovered that he had been a victim of identity theft for quite some time. Through a phone call from Qwest Wireless' fraud department, he was informed that someone had been using his Social Security number, but they were not able to verify his city/zip and date of birth. Read More
Jake was recently traveling in Mexico. While parked outside a hotel, all his documents were stolen from his briefcase including his passport, checks for four checking accounts, 35 credit cards and his Social Security card. Read More