Social security identity theft is perhaps one of the oldest, and most dangerous, forms of the crime. When someone has your social security number, they, in the minds of most financial organizations, become you. This is why it is so important to protect your social security number and be very careful whom you give it to. Learn more about protecting yourself from social security identity theft. Social security identity theft occurs when a criminal or scammer gets a hold of your social security number. They then use it to apply for loans, get a visa or passport, or much more. The way someone usually finds out they have been a victim of social security identity theft is long after the theft of their personal information has occurred. They might start receiving calls from unknown creditors demanding payment for outrageously high credit card bills or other loans.

See, when an identity thief gets a hold of someone’s social security number, they can use the power of the Internet to apply for credit cards and loans in that person’s name. They run up the bill, and then disappear. The unsuspecting consumer whose information was stolen is stuck footing the bill, or figuring out how to fight the theft.

Protecting Your Information Is Important

The best thing you can do to protect yourself from social security identity theft is to avoid giving out your social security number whenever possible. There are many situations where you are asked to give your social security number when it is not really necessary. Find out exactly why the person needs your number, and refuse to give it whenever possible. It does not matter what service or benefit you are receiving. Giving away your social security number is very dangerous.

Your employer will need to see your social security card when you begin employment, and doctors need it for billing purposes. When you are applying for credit, you will need to show it to have your credit score run. But other than these three situations, and some situations with your personal bank, you do not need to give out your social security card.

Avoid saying your social security number out loud. You never know when a potential thief might be listening. Also, do not carry your card with you. If your purse or wallet is stolen, your social security number is the first thing the thief will look for, and you can be certain if they find it, you will become a victim of social security identity theft. Never give your social security number out on the Internet! It is far too easy for someone to capture that information, no matter how secure a sight may seem. If someone needs your social security number for a web based service, and it is legitimate, and then ask if you can mail or fax it to them.