Why are social security numbers so important to keep a secret?

Question

not that i gave mine away or anything, im just curious lol.

Answer 1

Social Security Numbers are needed for everything from applying to college, to getting any type of credit in your name (credit card, loan, etc.).  If someone steals this number, they can do any of the above things in your name, and essentially become you.  They can run up high bills, and basically steal money and YOU would be responsible for.  Also, don't always trust companies like LifeLock.  Their CEO displays his SSN on all the ads, and his identity was just stolen!

Answer 2

When the SS act was passed back in the 30s, there was special provision put into the law that the number could not be used for anything other than SS. It was conservatives in those days who were afraid the government would use the number to keep track of everyone, that it would become a national ID number.

In the last few years, though, it has become just that. If you go to college, it's your student ID.  If you're in the military it's your military ID.  If you have a bank account, it's your bank account number.

So anyone who gets your SS suddenly knows a lot of stuff about you!  They can apply for credit cards in your name, for instance.

Answer 3

Because people foolishly put themselves in jeopardy by using credit cards.  A credit card enables you to buy something when you don't have the money for it.  This means when you get the money for it, you not only have to pay your current expenses, you have to also pay the credit card charge you made before.  If you don't pay it right away, you get hit with outrageous interest.

Not only that, but the retail prices you pay in stores that take credit cards may be as much as 3% higher.  The credit card companies charge the merchants, as well as people who use the cards.

But it get's worse.  If someone gets your card number, they can make a purchase in your name.  When you don't pay the charge, your credit is at risk.

Plus, there is a record of where you made your purchases, what you purchased, at what time, and for how much.  Do you really want to leave a record of all your purchases, where you were, and at what time?

Finally, other people can get a credit card with your name, date of birth and SS number.  Then, they can go around making charges, and YOU get stuck with the bills.

Why is it so easy to get a credit card?  Why aren't people who apply for credit cards photographed and fingerprinted.  After all, there is no Constitutional right to a credit card, as there is for keeping and bearing firearms.  Don't you think it should be at least as difficult to obtain a credit card, as to purchase a firearm?

I do not use credit cards.  If I don't have the money for something that I want, I can't afford it.  I have never had money problems.

Credit cards are for people who can't handle cash.  Stay away from them.  They are nothing but trouble.

Answer 4

It's the key to all the information about your finances, health, employment, etc. I was told by the Social Security office to treat it like a bank account. It's your Federal Retirement Account number.

PS -- One post here says he doesn't worry about it, becuase he's got LifeLock.

Well, the LifeLock owner got HIS identity stolen, dude!  

Read it and laugh your a$$ off!

http://www.fox11az.com/news/topstories/s...

** peace **

Answer 5

ss numbers were  meant only for retirement accounts.

Answer 6

As far as i am concerned I don't, I have LifeLock!

Answer 7

Because someone could steal ur idenitey

Answer 8

It is unique in identifying a person so banks, credit cards, etc. use it to make sure you are who you say you are.

Answer 9

the code is your access to social security when you retire and government important stuff is filed by your SS so if someone got it they could pretend to be you and steal your identity