Should you carry your Social Security card on you?

Keep your card and any other document that shows your Social Security number in a safe place. DO NOT routinely carry your card or other documents that display your number.
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How do I keep my Social Security card safe?

Other ways to protect your information include not routinely carrying your card or other documents that display your number with you. Also, be careful about sharing your number, even when you're asked for it. You should ask why your number is needed, how it'll be used, and what will happen if you refuse.
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Why should you guard your Social Security card?

An organization's collection and use of SSNs can increase the risk of identity theft and fraud. Each time an individual divulges his or her SSN, the potential for a thief to illegitimately gain access to bank accounts, credit cards, driving records, tax and employment histories and other private information increases.
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What should you not carry in your wallet?

To safeguard your finances while you're on the go, consider these seven things you should never carry in your wallet:
  • Social Security number. ...
  • Checks. ...
  • Numerous credit cards. ...
  • Multiple gift cards. ...
  • Password cheat sheets. ...
  • Excess cash. ...
  • Spare keys.
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Is it OK to laminate my Social Security card?

Do not laminate your card. Lamination prevents detection of many security features. However, you may cover the card with plastic or other removable material if it does not damage the card.
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If Asked For Social Security Number, Keep These 3 Things In Mind



Can I tape my Social Security card?

The short answer to this is 'no. ' The fact is, the U.S. Federal Government says not to laminate your social security card on their website. This, however, is a recommendation, not an actual law.
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Is a ripped Social Security card valid?

3 attorney answers

You can certainly continue to use your Social Security card. As noted by another attorney, the validity of your Social Security number is not affected by the condition of your card - the card is just "some" proof of your number.
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What cards should you carry in your wallet?

7 Things You Should Have in Your Wallet, 10 You Shouldn't
  • Credit card. A credit card is good to have around for emergencies. ...
  • Debit card. ...
  • Emergency cash. ...
  • Contact information. ...
  • Reward cards. ...
  • Almost-expired coupons. ...
  • Identification. ...
  • Social Security card.
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What do I do if my Social Security card was stolen?

If your wallet or purse containing your Social Security card is stolen, contact your local police department to file a theft report. You should also contact SSA directly to request a replacement Social Security card.
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Why put a crayon in your wallet at night?

By placing a crayon in your wallet the crayon can help keep credit cards and ID cards straight. which are colorful to attract attention and small enough to fit perfectly into your wallet.
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Where should I store my Social Security card?

Social Security cards

Keep your social security card locked up in a safe at home. Don't carry it around with you in your wallet, as that's an easy way to have it, and your identity, stolen. See our picks for the best identity theft protection services.
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How can I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number?

If you believe someone is using your Social Security number to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes, contact the IRS online or call 1-800-908-4490. You can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on faq.ssa.gov


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 can someone do with your SSN and ID?

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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Should you have your Social Security number memorize?

Sometimes even jobs ask for it. A person should not always carry their social security card with them because it can then get easily stolen or lost. If you are going to have to use it a lot when you are older, then you should memorize it when you are young, so that you do not risk anything.
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How can I find out if someone is using my identity?

What you can do to detect identity theft
  1. Track what bills you owe and when they're due. If you stop getting a bill, that could be a sign that someone changed your billing address.
  2. Review your bills. ...
  3. Check your bank account statement. ...
  4. Get and review your credit reports.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on consumer.ftc.gov


Should I carry my debit card with me?

The first step is to avoid carrying these things in your wallet: 1. Too many credit and debit cards. The fewer debit and credit cards you carry with you, the fewer you'll have to freeze or cancel should your wallet disappear.
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How much cash should you carry in your wallet?

“We would recommend between $100 to $300 of cash in your wallet, but also having a reserve of $1,000 or so in a safe at home,” Anderson says. Depending on your spending habits, a couple hundred dollars may be more than enough for your daily expenses or not enough.
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What should a man carry in his wallet?

Once you slim down your wallet, it'll be easier to find what you're looking for, and your life will be just that much simpler.
...
The only 6 things a modern gentleman should keep in his wallet
  • Credit card and debit card. ...
  • ID card (and business ID, if needed).
  • Cash. ...
  • Transit card. ...
  • Insurance cards. ...
  • A business card.
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Can I accept an unsigned Social Security card?

Is an unsigned Social Security card valid? Yes. A signature on the card is not required for the card to be valid. You may accept an unsigned Social Security card as long as the card reasonably appears to be genuine and to relate to the person presenting it.
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Is a copy of Social Security card valid for I 9?

No. Employees must present original documents. The only exception is that an employee may present a certified copy of a birth certificate.
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What can I use instead of Social Security card?

The following cards are acceptable IDs: Employee card identification. School card identification. Health insurance card (not a Medicare card)
...
If the document isn't available they may accept:
  • State-issued nondriver's card identification.
  • Doctor, clinic or hospital record.
  • School card identification.
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Is it OK to laminate your Medicare card?

You'll definitely want to take good care of your Medicare card – don't lose track of it, and keep it in good condition. However, the Social Security Administration doesn't recommend laminating important identification cards because the plastic coating may interfere with the card's security features.
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How long are Social Security cards good for?

Does an SSN expire? No. Once an SSN has been assigned it is an individual's unique number for the rest of his or her life in the United States.
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What security features are on a Social Security card?

One or more of the following security features appear on SSN cards issued since 10/31/1983:
  • Tamper-proof background.
  • Color-shifting ink.
  • Intaglio printing in some areas on the front of the card.
  • Latent image on the face of the card visible only when viewed at specific angles.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on secure.ssa.gov