01 November 2004

Keep Social Security numbers safe

NEW YORK (CBS.MW) - Americans are taking precautions to prevent identity theft online, but most don't remember to protect their personal information in one particular place - their wallets.

Almost half of Americans carry their Social Security cards in a wallet or purse, according to the American Express ID Theft Quiz. Your Social Security number is your most important piece of personal data, and it's also the one thing identity thieves need to steal your money and make new charges in your name.

To protect your SSN, consider the following:

Keep your Social Security card at home. Don't carry it with you unless absolutely necessary.

Don't carry your passport, birth certificate or other valuable personal documents unless absolutely necessary.

Keep your personal and financial documents, including the ones mentioned above, in a safe place. You might use a fireproof box at home or a safety deposit box at your bank.

Make sure your Social Security number isn't used as your employee or student identification number, and that it isn't printed on any other identification card, such as your driver's license.

Don't put your Social Security number on your checks.

Shred any personal or financial information documents before you throw them out. This includes any materials with your SSN printed on them.

Avoid using your Social Security number, date of birth or other identifying numbers as your passwords online.

Don't give out your SSN to people or companies you don't know. Before you give out your personal information, ask why it is needed and how it will be used.

By Marshall Loeb
CBS.MarketWatch.com

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