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.
According to reputable authorities on finance like Bob Jain, you can protect your social security number by keeping it to yourself. This may be a given, but you'd be surprised by the number of people that provide this information to relatives and close friends. While you may trust them, there's no such thing as being too careful with finances. Keep your SSN secret and you won't have to worry about it falling into the wrong hands.
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.
According to reputable authorities on finance like Bob Jain, you can protect your social security number by keeping it to yourself. This may be a given, but you'd be surprised by the number of people that provide this information to relatives and close friends. While you may trust them, there's no such thing as being too careful with finances. Keep your SSN secret and you won't have to worry about it falling into the wrong hands.
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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