Can I refuse to provide social security number?

Anyone can refuse to disclose his or her number, but the requester can refuse its services if you do not give it. Businesses, banks, schools, private agencies, etc., are free to request someone's number and use it for any purpose that does not violate a federal or state law.
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Why you shouldn't give out your SSN?

A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, when they use the credit cards and don't pay the bills, it damages your credit.
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Is asking for a Social Security number a Hipaa violation?

Secondly, since the individual's Social Security number falls under the same category as other individually identifiable information, such as the individual's name and address, it is equally protected under the HIPAA privacy and security requirements.
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What is an alternative to providing Social Security number?

Here are some alternative identification documents you can offer to the organization or company instead of your SSN if you feel uncomfortable providing that information: Driver's license and DL number. Passport. Current and previous address.
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Is it safe to give my Social Security number on job application?

Do not place your SSN on your resume. Identity theft is a concern, and you should carefully guard access to this number. Scammers could ask for SSN as part of a fake job application.
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Can I refuse to give my Social Security number?



Is it safe to send SSN over email for a job?

Don't Send Your SSN via an Electronic Device

Never type your SSN into an email or instant message and send it. The majority of such messages can be intercepted and read. Also, don't leave a voicemail that includes your SSN. If you need to contact someone and give them your number, it's best to do it in person.
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Why does my employer need my SSN?

Why do employers need my social security number? If an employer decides to extend you an offer, they will eventually need your social security number to verify your identity and work authorization and perhaps to complete a background check.
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Is Social Security number just a US thing?

A Social Security number (SSN) is a unique identifier assigned to U.S. citizens and some residents to track their income and determine benefits.
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Should you give your Social Security number to your dentist?

Generally, you're under no obligation to provide your SSN to healthcare providers (but they're not obligated to take you as a patient either).
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When did Social Security numbers become mandatory?

In 1943, Executive Order (EO) 9397 required Federal agencies to use the SSN in any new system of records to identify persons.
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Why do doctors ask for SSN?

Most healthcare providers will ask you for your Social Security number when you are seeking medical care. They often require this so that they can collect payment for healthcare services and verify your identity when it comes to looking up your health records.
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Is SSN enough to steal identity?

Financial identity theft

An identity thief can use your SSN together with your PII to open new bank accounts or access existing ones, take out credit cards, and apply for loans all in your name.
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Who has the right to ask for SSN?

Businesses, banks, schools, private agencies, etc., are free to request someone's number and use it for any purpose that does not violate a federal or state law.
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How do I lock my Social Security number?

If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).
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How do I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number?

Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 1-800-908-4490 or visit them online, if you believe someone is using your SSN to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes.
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What countries have no SSN?

Those countries include:
  • Azerbaijan.
  • Belarus.
  • Kazakhstan.
  • Kyrgyzstan.
  • Moldova.
  • Tajikistan.
  • Turkmenistan.
  • Uzbekistan.
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How much is my Social Security number worth?

The company found that buyers are currently willing to pay just $1 for a Social Security number, which is the same amount they'll pay for user and password information to Brazzers, a pornographic website.
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What do the first 3 digits of your Social Security mean?

The first three (3) digits of a person's social security number are determined by the ZIP Code of the mailing address shown on the application for a social security number. Prior to 1973, social security numbers were assigned by our field offices.
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Should you share SSN with employer?

Employers. If you start a new job, you may share your Social Security number with your employer. The Social Security Administration said that it's important for your employer to have your correct Social Security number to ensure records are correct.
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What can employers do with your SSN?

Your Social Security number provided in an online employment application will be used to identify your records, and for background checks and other requests for information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others who know you, to the extent allowed by law.
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Is giving last 4 digits of SSN safe?

Giving someone the last four digits of your SSN could lead to identity theft as this is the direct way to do the most damage to your financial information. Why? Banks and other official institutions often only request the last four digits of your SSN to confirm your identity.
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Can I red flag my Social Security number?

There are a few ways you can flag your social security number. The primary way to do this is to through a fraud alert, which will put extra protections in place for people trying to access or use your social security number or other private account details associated with your credit.
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What do the last 4 digits of SSN mean?

The last four digits of the SSN are the serial number. The serial number represents a straight numerical series of numbers from 0001–9999 within each group. Serial number 0000 is not assigned.
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What should I do if I gave my SSN to a scammer?

You may reach the FTC's identity theft hotline toll free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or visit their website at www.ftc.gov/idtheft.
...
Protect yourself from identity theft
  1. Protecting Your Social Security Number from Identity Theft.
  2. IRS Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft.
  3. FTC's Consumer Alerts.
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What to do if you just gave your Social Security number to a scammer?

If your Social Security number has been stolen, report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission and the police, freeze your credit report and contact companies you suspect have your SSN due to fraud.
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