Social Security Number

Social Security numbers were created in a simpler time. Now, in the Internet age, there are better ways to identify people in a way that doesn't compromise security.

After the massive security leak of 143 million Social Security numbers at credit reporting agency Equifax, the company has announced that it will not charge for "credit freeze" requests for the next 30 days.

Here's where you can sign up for a credit freeze at the big three reporting agencies :

https://www.freeze.equifax.com/Freeze/jsp/SFF_PersonalIDInfo.jsp

Equifax announced that the names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and, in some instances, driver’s license numbers of 143 million Americans was stolen.

This link will let you get free credit monitoring and see if you might have been affected :

https://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com/

Not to overthink this, but if you sign up for the "free credit monitoring", and then that data is stolen, maybe you're just telling the crooks that you're alive, and have some available credit that's worth stealing... :-/

To prevent identity theft, you should not give out your Social Security number unless necessary.

Here are five instances when you should generally not give out your Social Security number :

1. Before you're hired for a job

2. At the doctor's office (unless Medicare or Medicaid)

3. To attend schools or colleges

4. At supermarkets or other retailers

5. When booking travel

The article linked below has details and is well worth reading.

New Medicare cards will replace your "old" Medicare number, which was most likely your Social Security number, with a new 11-digit Medicare number.

You should receive your new card by mail by April, 2019.