Who doesn’t cherish the thrill of receiving a mysterious call from an ‘FBI agent’ threatening arrest unless you hand over your Social Security number? If your idea of fun doesn’t include losing your identity, read on. In today’s mad, mad world, it’s easier than ever for scammers to swipe your personal data, thanks to breaches like the recent National Public Data exposé which affected a staggering 2.9 billion records. So, how do you keep your Social Security number safer than a kumquat in a fruit bowl of apples? Let’s dive in.

Social Security numbers are like candy for fraudsters. No, really! On any day, someone might get a call from an ‘official’ demanding personal information for some fictitious reason. But what happens when a website claims to help you find out if you were affected in this data breach du jour? Don’t go sprinting to enter your digits just yet.

Experts like James E. Lee, the grand poobah (aka Chief Operating Officer) at the Identity Theft Resource Center, say it’s a bad move to hand over your Social Security number to just any website claiming it can help identify if your data was compromised. Imagine the bad guys getting your golden ticket to identity theft – not cool.

Time for a reality check: Banks, schools, new employers, and landlords might need your Social Security number. Random websites, definitely not. Here’s a nugget from the folks at AARP: fraudsters can do a lot with your digits and a tiny bit of identifiable info – enough to make your life complicated.

But don’t grab your tinfoil hat just yet. There are reputable websites out there that can show if your data was breached without asking for your Social Security number. Yes, unicorns do exist.

Why You Should Never Hand Over Your Social Security Number (Unless It’s to Your Mom)

While needing to provide your Social Security number for job applications or getting a loan is normal, giving it to some run-of-the-mill website is like handing over a blank check. Privacy ninjas, including James E. Lee, caution against this practice. Go ahead and listen; Lee knows his identity theft onions.

Checking your credit reports can reveal signs of fraud. Suspicious activity on any credit report is a red flag that something wicked (and criminal) this way comes, and you’re entitled to a free one each year. Yes, you read that correctly—annual freebies from major credit bureaus. If you find yourself in a Game of Thrones-type intrigue involving your identity, a credit freeze might be your best defense against the Night Kings of fraud.

If you ever suspect any funny business, immediately place a credit freeze. This legally bars those fraudsters from opening new accounts using your info.

The Secret to Protecting Your Data: A Sprinkle of Skepticism

At the end of the day, it’s crucial to stay skeptical, alert, and well-informed. Be wary of alarmist websites and unsolicited calls asking for your Social Security number. Trust reputable sources and protect yourself against fraud with tools available for your peace of mind.

Oh, and one more thing—stay fabulous and fiercely protected!