The Social Security Administration has issued a warning, advising not to keep your Social Security card in your wallet. Instead, they recommend keeping the card in a safe place and only providing it when absolutely necessary, which is rare. Most people have committed their Social Security number to memory, which means it isn’t really necessary to carry the card on their person. SSA also recommends asking three simple questions when you’re asked to provide your Social Security number: (1) why is it needed, (2) how will it be used, (3) what will happen if your refuse to provide it? Social Security cards are not identity documents, and in almost all other cases another document — birth certificate, permanent resident card, etc. — can act in its place. The need to guard your Social Security card has become greater with the rise of online fraud. Criminals only need a name and Social Security number to apply for credit, open new bank accounts, and even steal tax refunds.
