Ok, another gripe.

I found my original Social Security Card...the perforated part that you had to detach and keep in a safe place. Anyway..

it says...and I quote "For social security and tax purposes-not for identification".

All these years I've said to people who ask me my SS # this VERY statement..that my card says..(the above). NOW I have proof that the government has rescinded on it's original intent for this number. I HATE giving my number out. When asked for it, I then respond with "Are you going to pay me?" They get dumb-founded and get a befuddled look but I now have my proof..in the pudding!

This card I got in 1970...and still remains with me.

I don't give out my SS# either. When I get asked for it, I tell them they have to tell me why they're asking and how they're going to use it. Boy do they get flustered with that response! Big one is at the doctor's office; they say it's for the insurance, and I tell them my insurance doesn't use my SS# and give them the insurance info. I've had a couple of people insist, so I've had to tell them I'm reporting them and they should update their policies. That shuts 'em up. Of course, I'm not sure who I'd report them to, but I'd find somebody!

Canada has same federal law also...use of our Canadian Social Insurance No. (SIN) is under very restricted purposes. Our federal govn't websites gives clear guidance to all Canadians on restricted use/provision of SIN. There are provincial adjudicative/court-related bodies which will receive and hear cases of violations of personal information such as SIN, medical, etc.

For any health care provider in Canada, each Canadian has their home provincial government health care card no. That card...eventually is tied to SIN because application process for card requires SIN (or 1-2 other legislated pieces of federal I.D., ie. most likely passport or Canadian residency card). Our Medicare health insurance system requires one gives the health care card no. ..to initiate patient care/appointments. Not the SIN.

Any conscientious human resources dept. or company never asks for SIN by email. The risk is too great..especially when computer server memory is backed up for storage.