When I came to college my parents were very adamant
about leaving my social security card at home because they were afraid that it
would be stolen or that I would lose it. I, of course, thought that they were
being ridiculous but having no need for it during my freshman year I did not
mind leaving it at home. In past experiences with employers I have not needed
it until recently, when I became a volunteer at the OSU medical center. When I
told the person in charge of my background check that I did not have my social
security card she told me that I would need to find a way to get a copy of it
to her. She explained that I could have a copy emailed to my computer or even
texted to my phone for proof. I began to wonder how safe this would be and what
the possible implications would be if another person stole a copy of it.
According to the Official Website of the U.S. Social
Security Administration identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in
the United States. Another person can use your social security information to
retrieve other personal information about you. They can also use it to ruin
your credit by making charges on credit cards with your information and not
paying the bills.
You should not carry your social security card around
with you all of the time. You also should not give your social security
information to anyone unless you are confident that it is necessary. Do not
give away your information over websites that are not fully secure. Your social
security information may also be present on bank and credit card statements,
new checks, and tax information so be sure to keep those items safe as well!
In this fast-paced world where everything is readily
available and accessible it is important to remember that some things must
still remain private. Make sure you protect your social security information,
and do not take this lightly! For more information see: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.html#a0=1
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