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Ultimately, you cannot prevent identity theft from happening to you, ... You can only reduce your chances.
~ Beth Givens
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Preventing companies from using your personal information for mar- keting: More organizations are offering consumers choices about how their personal information is used. For example, many let you “opt out” of having your information shared with others or used for marketing purposes.
When it’s appropriate to give out your Social Security number: Your employer and financial institutions will need your Social Security num- ber for wage and tax reporting purposes. Other businesses may ask you for your Social Security number to do a credit check if you are applying for a loan, renting an apartment, or signing up for utilities. Sometimes, however, they simply want your Social Security number for general record keeping. If someone asks for your Social Security number, ask:
• Why do you need my Social Security number?
• How will my Social Security number be used?
• How do you protect my Social Security number from being stolen?
• What will happen if I don't give you my Social Security number?
If you don’t provide your Social Security number, some businesses may not provide you with the service or benefit you want. Getting satis- factory answers to these questions will help you decide whether you
want to share your Social Security number with the business. The decision to share is yours.
Identity theft insurance: Some companies offer insurance or similar products that claim to give you protection against the costs associated with resolving an identity theft case. Be aware that most creditors will only deal with you to resolve prob-
lems, so the insurance company in most cases will not be able to reduce that burden. As with any product or service, make sure you understand
Privacy Choices for Your Personal Information