Am I at risk for identity theft?

Question

I submitted a transcript request form to a community college I attended for summer classes via fax. I put my name, address, phone and my social security number there. I left the form that I used to fax with my social security number facedown on my desk where I work at the national cancer institute with books on top of it and forgot to shred the form. Is there a risk that someone at work took my social security number and am I at risk for identity theft? The lab is kept locked at night and scientists there did not even know I faxed this form except my mentor, but he himself did not see me put the form facedown on my desk.. Also, will the fact that I faxed my social security # put me at risk?

Answer 1

You are at less risk than most people due to the fact that you don't have any credit cards.

Many people have access to your social security number.  It takes more than that to steal someone’s identity.  And many places need the number legitimately.  

Be very careful with all other account numbers, user ids and passwords and you will continue to be safer than most of us.

There is a difference between having to have a SSN to be able open  a bank account, get a driver's license etc. and being able to do it with someone else's SSN.  But the reason I couldn't stop myself from commenting on your other answer to date, is the advice to “shred everything” with no limitations put on it.  You do not want to shred your tax returns, bank statements, receipts for significant payments or purchases, etc. for at least seven years.  And that is just an example to indicate the foolishness of that kind of over simplified blanket statement.  You are more likely to suffer financial loss from not having kept enough documentation than from not shredding enough (unless what you are shredding includes evidence of illegal activity.)

Answer 2

I disagree with the previous answer. You're social security number is probably the most critical element when it comes to stealing a person's identity. With a SSN, you can open bank accounts, get driver's licenses, get credit cards and much more. Too much, in my opinion, is associated with the social security number.

After reading what you have posted, you are probably fine. The only risk, as far as leaving the paper overnight, is if a janitor took a peek at it.

The faxed document should be OK. Most colleges take good care of sensitive information like that.

My best piece of advice is to shred everything. It is a good habit to get into.