Activities That Call For Social Security Numbers

Social security numbers have been used in many different transactions daily. The problem now becomes finding out whether we are actually dealing with a legitimate person or company or not.

Many business transactions involve our social security number. Because of this scenario, many unscrupulous individuals are exploiting this to their advantage and they resort to stealing our numbers for their personal gain.

Applying for a postpaid plan for a mobile phone is an example of a transaction that the person in charge asks for our ssn. This kind of transaction requires the one who subscribes to pay a certain amount every month and usually, a contract is involved – 1 year or 2 years perhaps depending on the dealings. This transaction usually happens over the phone where in an individual will receive a phone call, more commonly known as a telemarketing call, asking them to sign up for a postpaid plan.

The call flow starts with a sales pitch that the telemarketer uses to lure you to sign up with the plan that he is offering you. And if you agree to do it, the telemarketer will ask for pieces of personal information like your full name, contact numbers, address and they often ask for two valid IDs, primary and secondary. Routinely, they only accept social security number as your primary identification and for secondary ID they give you options like driver’s license, company ID and others.

Knowing whether you are dealing with a legitimate company that the telemarketer says he’s representing becomes the big dilemma for those who are interested to subscribe to the plan. We have to remember that as customers, it’s our right to say no if they ask for your social security number. But if you become so engrossed with the thing that the telemarketer is offering you then you can ask them to call you back so you can check whether they are legit or not.

Also, in your social security number card, you can find a toll free number and you can call that number in case you have questions about the things to consider before giving out your social security number, especially over the phone.

Regardless whether it’s a phone business transaction or a personal business transaction, the bottom line is being aware of your rights to say no when they ask for your ssn. Don’t hesitate to say no. Social security search or ssn search are available in case you need assistance.