Social Security Numbers

Not anymore really. Within 5-10 years they will become the common ID for everything. Banks now will ask you to key in your social instead of asking for your account number/card number. Not surprised collections agencies are databanking by social now.

This is simply not true. In fact, things are moving in the opposite direction. State's are making laws that take your social security number off of your driver's license, forbid your employer from using your social security number as your employee number, etc.

Protect your social security number. It's highly confidential and should not be given to anyone unless absolutely necessary.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/law-enforcement/state-laws-social-security.html

I'm sorry but I disagree. Social security numbers are becoming the norm to identify people in the financial industry. Banks now identify customers by social, credit card companies as well. The entire financial industry is doing this and I know this for a fact. There's no doubt that SSNs are a lot less secure than they were 10 years ago and will continue to go in that direction.

The bank where I work doesn't do this. It's an alternate identifier (last 4) but first they ask for your account number and address.

The bank where I bank is the same.

Also, the bank where I work and the hospital where I worked prior to this removed the SS# as the employee ID number and created a unique employee ID.

Ohio, just a few years ago, removed social security numbers from drivers licenses.
I see the opposite trend.

Here in NY we never had socials on our licenses. I agree that is a pretty insecure method, but this notion that they are these super private things that no one has access to is just crazy. The bank I work at as well as Chase Bank and Bank of America both identify by SSN if you call them on the phone. Same with credit cards from almost all CC issuers now. They'll say "either provide me with your account number or your social please"

That's what I said :)

My bank always asks for your account number first. If you don't have it, they use the social as an alternate identifier.

I know it's not as private as it should be but, I think with identity theft running rampant, the trend is to hold that number a little closer to the vest.

That's certainly true, but it just seems that privacy with SSNs is getting a lot more liberal. Just a feeling I get...

I can remember going thru our patient database a few years ago at the hospital I work at and taking out all SSN's. We have also been told to shred any paperwork with patient MRN's (Medical Record Numbers) or SSN's on it. I know for a fact that in the medical field, SSN's are not being used anymore. Poss one of the issue is that they are so close to a Medicare number....

I have to disagree as well, waffles--I use Chase Bank. When you call them, you are asked for youe account #. In fact, more recently, when I call them, the automated system prompts me to enter my debit card # and also my PIN number.....at no time has Chase ever asked me for my ssn once the accounts were opened.