SSN Policy Manual

Dealing with the Public

Usually it is quite easy to deal with the general public regarding issues of privacy and withholding a social security number. Often the people who ask you for a number are impressed to learn that the people do have rights and that there are laws that actually prohibit people from requiring disclosure. When dealing with the public, most people who ask you for a social security number are simply doing it out of the misguided belief that some mysterious law requires everybody to be branded slaves of the system. While these people are sometimes offended by your simple refusal (particularly if they are foreigners), most become quickly impressed when you explain the legal reasons that protect you from disclosing a social security number. Most people are disgusted with the idea that they have lost a good part of their freedom. These people often become excited to learn that many of the chains they have been wearing have been held in place by their own ignorance of the law. You will quickly discover that many people are really excited to learn how easy it is to regain so much of their lost freedom and privacy. Now that you are a serious student of this topic, you have an obligation to share your knowledge and insight. One excellent way of doing this is simply to become more outspoken about these important issues. Of course, in all cases where the offending party persists in their request, you can assert your legal rights and remind them that they are violating the law. However, you should always practice the degree of diplomacy that is warranted by each situation. For example, being perceived as a "tough guy" looking to sue people while trying to rent an apartment is not usually the wisest approach. One excellent way of doing this is simply to become more outspoken about these important issues. Renting Most rental applications ask a prospective tenant for a social security number while requesting your permission to obtain a credit report and to check for pervious evictions. Many rental agencies and rental owners also ask you to pay the processing fee for this credit check. Here are several reasonable alternatives to this request: Simply ask the prospective landlord if a social security number is really necessary. Tell them that you consider this very private information and would prefer not sharing it with anyone other than government agencies who absolutely require it. After a reasonable explanation, most people will admit that they really don't need it. Obtain a copy of a credit report before you begin looking for a rental. Carry the original with you so that prospective landlords can know that it is authentic and leave