10 Riskiest Places to Give Out Your Social Security Number

There are situations where it is legally required for you to give out your Social Security number. However, there are many times when you're not required to do so, and giving out that information would be a risky move. Letting your identity fall into the hands of a scammer is a financial mistake to avoid.

Suppose someone gets hold of your Social Security number. In that case, they can commit all types of identity theft, from opening credit card accounts in your name to potentially gaining access to your bank accounts. Knowing when it's required and when it's not will save you a lot of hassle and stress.

Here are the 10 riskiest places to give out your Social Security number.

It's in the name, but public networks are open to anyone, including hackers, to steal any information you transmit. It's one thing to be working on a project in a coffee shop, but avoid entering your SSN or any other personal information while on a public network. 

It's pretty simple for a hacker to scrape and steal the data.

Scammers are getting increasingly sophisticated with phone and email phishing requests, so be wary. A government official will make themselves known to you, and it's unlikely they would send you an unsolicited email or call you from a random number. 

Simply avoid giving out this information to anyone who requests it via phone or email.

While you will have to eventually give out your SSN for your job, avoid entering it on job applications. You are not required to give a prospective employer your SSN; it's only after you've been hired that you would have to give it to them. 

 Moreover, most job posting sites are insecure and can easily be hacked, so it's best to avoid them.

You are not required to give out your SSN at a medical appointment. So long as you have an insurance policy, your medical provider does not require additional identifying information beyond your photo ID. 

While there might be a space on the intake form for your SSN, you don't have to write it down. It's better to avoid giving it out entirely as there's no guarantee that your medical provider will adequately take care.

Avoid signing up for store credit cards on the spot, as their data protection technology is lacking at point-of-sale terminals. Any credit card application will require your SSN to run a proper credit check, so it's best done on an encrypted website on your computer at home.

Any website that does not have proper encryption is a haven for hackers to steal your information. Look for an https on the left side of the URL and a little lock that says the website is encrypted. 

It's a good habit to avoid giving out your SSN or any personal information online unless it's absolutely necessary for the service.

Much like at the doctor's office, you're not required to give out your SSN at the hospital. They will admit you no matter what and ask for photo identification and medical insurance information. 

There's no telling what the hospital will do with any intake forms, so it's best to avoid giving out anything that could allow someone to steal your identity.

You no longer need to include your SSN on rental applications; in some states (like California), it's illegal. The landlord has plenty of screening services for the background/credit check as you go through the application process. 

 Giving out your SSN on a paper or digital application is a surefire way to compromise your identity, so it's best to avoid it.

The government will need your SSN in certain circumstances, such as if you're applying for benefits or other programs, but in general, it's best to keep that information to yourself. 

Both state and local governments have outdated computer systems that can be easily hacked in many cases, so do not give out your SSN unless absolutely necessary.

You do not need to give out your SSN to a University or College you are enrolled in or are applying to. While withholding this information might slow the process, you can attend school without divulging your SSN. 

Like many organizations on this list, places of higher education are notoriously bad at keeping your data secure, so the less data you give them, the better.

Your Social Security number is among the most valuable information thieves can steal. Knowing when you're legally required to provide it and when you're not can significantly reduce your risk of identity theft.

When possible, ask if there are alternative forms of identification you can provide instead. Few things are as stressful and nerve-wracking as someone stealing your identity, so try to avoid that scenario at all costs. Doing so will keep your financial fitness in a good spot.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft accounted for 23% of all reported fraud cases in 2024, so safeguarding your personal information from thieves has never been more important.