![\"Beautiful](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/patients-in-hospital-checking-in-iStock-1141330750.jpg\")
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\n Hispanolistic \/ Getty Images <\/p>\n
Commitment to Our Readers<\/p>\n
GOBankingRates’ editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines<\/a> and our products and services review methodology<\/a>.<\/p>\n 20 Years<\/strong> Trusted by<\/strong> With all the talk about security breaches, it can feel scary to give out your Social Security<\/a> number (SSN) or any other personal information. After all, that number can help scammers take advantage of you in so many ways.<\/p>\n Read More: I Asked ChatGPT When I\u2019ll Be Able To Retire Based on My Current Finances \u2014 Here\u2019s What It Said<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n According to the most recent data from the Federal Trade Commission<\/a>, around 1 in 5 Americans experience identity theft in their lifetime. According to the numbers, reported identity theft<\/a> complaints rose 9.5% from 2023 to 2024. <\/p>\n To safeguard yourself from identity theft, here are six places to avoid giving out your Social Security number.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Places To Avoid<\/p>\n In addition to doctors\u2019 offices and hospitals, Kiplinger reported, you shouldn\u2019t share your SSN at these places:<\/p>\n Keep in mind that just because these places are on the list doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t be asked for your Social Security number when you visit them. In fact, you may find yourself filling out paperwork that includes a space for your SSN. In these cases, it\u2019s OK to leave the space blank and ask why it\u2019s needed if anyone pushes back. As you probably know, there are some situations \u2014 particularly in the medical and banking<\/a> fields \u2014 where providing your SSN may be required to receive services or products.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also important to remember that sharing your SSN or other personal information over the phone can be especially risky \u2014 especially if you didn\u2019t initiate the call.<\/p>\n Steps To Protect Yourself<\/p>\n By the time you reach adulthood, your SSN has been shared so many times it\u2019s just about impossible to keep it totally secure, CNET reported. Still, there are ways to protect your information:<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-20.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
<\/p>\n
Helping You Live Richer<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-experts-review.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon__trusted.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
<\/p>\n
Millions of Readers<\/p>\n\n
\n