Years back, I got a Tax Payer ID number (aka Employer Identification Number) -- the reason for it I listed on the form: "Other" and I wrote "To safe guard social security number."

When some business wants my SS# -- not for any credit check purposes -- they get my tax ID number, not my SS#.

When I was in the USN ('82-'91), our SSN was also our "serial number" and was used to uniquely identify every service member in the military. I wonder if they still use it today?

I dont give it out any longer...as by law you dont need to unless it is for a govt. agency related
issue....

but my computer got hacked into 6 months ago anyway, and someone got it...so I put
a freeze on my credit. :(

It is amazing that the US govt. doesnt do something about the ridiculous overusage of
those numbers, and how they can basically be used to establish a person's "identity"
They have been talking about getting a new system for years, but it never happens.

so for the record, my SS number is:

555-555-1212

A police officer once asked for my SSN when filling out a traffic report, ticket, etc. - can't exactly remember. I asked him why he needed it and if he would provide the info to an officer if asked - he said 'no'.

Your SSN is for Social Security only, although I do not think you can file tax returns without it.. Offer up a drivers license number if they have to fill in a blank.