PFRDA

Why do people give out Social Security Numbers to strangers?

I work for a company that deals with online ordering, and over the phone ordering. Usually we ask for a Name, Address and a Visa or Mastercard number to take their order with, we're very careful about shredding all the paper and we have tight internet security and whatnot. Sometimes, a customer will need order information or something and usually all we need is a last and first name to look them up. But usually once or twice a week, people will offer me their social security number to help look them up. (This usually occurs in the pause between 'hold on a moment let me look you up' and 'how do you spell your last name' they usually ask it between there) Obviously I reassure them that all I need is there name and don't say any more on it. But like I said, this happens once or twice a week regularly, from people all across the country and from various ages. I do know that SS numbers only started being issued to babies in the 80's and that before that, you got it when you got your drivers license. (I'm talking about my parents time, 50's & 60's, my SSN was issued the day I was born) The state of Illinois gives them as medical licenses (only on certain kinds of medical licenses and I wont say which kind). (INFO: "Before 1986, people often did not have a Social Security number until the age of about 14, since they were used for income tracking purposes, and those under that age seldom had substantial income. In 1986, American taxation law was altered so that individuals over 5 years old without Social Security numbers could not be successfully claimed as dependents on tax returns; by 1990 the threshold was lowered to 1 year old, and was later abolished altogether. Since then, parents have often applied for Social Security numbers for their children soon after birth; today, it can be done on the application for a birth certificate.") No wonder there is such an issue with identity theft, if people are just giving them out to random strangers! Do people not realize that if I were a less honest person I could take that and steal all their money or something. I mean seriously..do they not realize it..or what? So..my question is..why would you offer someone your social security number? Especially an e-order company? Do people not know that you shouldn't give it out? What are your experiences with this and have you ever offered it to anyone but your bank/school/federal agency/employer. I understand those more, but we're just an e-company, so why give it to us, we've never asked for it. Your order it, we ship it. That's all. Thanks for your answers, I'd really love some insight on this! To add detail on the quote labeled 'info': http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Security_number_(United_States) I got it from wikipedia. Just listing my source.

Public Comments

1. cuz there wired like that but dont do that it will make your life hell
2. their idiots or just dont know better.
3. I only give my social security number to my doctors apt. and that's it.
4. Well, as a consumer, I am taking a leap of faith by trusting that as a representative, you would not violate YOUR company's policy by stealing my social security number even though I provided it. I rarely provide my social security number to strangers however, I try everything before I give it out. Also, those consumers who do provide their social security number most likely have insurane for identity theft and are protected against it. Have you seen that commercial for an insurance company that protects identity theft? I think he was the governor of some state and had a truck driving around with his social security number on a truck because he is so positive that the company will not let his identity be stolen. It's a thought. :)
5. Many people are too trusting. I don't necessarily believe they they are naive, but believe the best in people.
6. I agree with you - one should not give out their SSN to ANYONE. Most government agencies require it even though in my opinion they do not need it. I have been very tempted to write a disclaimer that I wouldsend to the agency requesting it. You've inspired me - I'll write it now: In requesting my Social Security Number and pertinent private information, you (hereinafter referred to as "the agency") understand that the agency shall automatically accept all liability and responsibility for assuring that it is not to be used by any individual or company beyond the agency requiring it to allow me (the provider) to conduct business with your agency, or for any other purpose beyond this transaction. Should a breech in this agency's security allow it to be procured by an outside agency (whether that is through a technological breech, and employee of the agency, or any other entity beyond the solely intended agency), and should it be abused by such person(s) by procuring sensitive information, funds, or other private information from the provider, the agency accepts responsibility in reimbursing the provider for any and all financial losses, legal fees, and any other costs associated in refurbishing the credit history, reestablishment of the security of the provider. In that the agency has mandated that the provider surrender this personal information as a prerequisite to conduct business with the agency, the agency will accept this responsibility upon receipt of this information. This statement shall additionally apply to any third party agencies that may additionally require this information to similarly conduct business (e.g.: PayPal via eBay). Scary enough? Not bad for an architect, eh? :)