McAfee, an antivirus software company, recently released a list of the most dangerous places to give out your Social Security number. Many of the places will surprise you. It has seem common to give out your social security number as means of identification. However, that should not be the case. As a result, you unfortunately have to give your number to receive the following services:

1. Universities & Colleges
2. Banking & Financial Institutions
3. Hospitals
4. State Governments
5. Local Governments
6. Federal Governments
7. Medical Businesses
8. Non-Profit Organizations
9. Technology Companies
10. Health Insurers & Medical Offices

Why are these dangerous?

Any institution that extends any type of credit is going to need the following information: name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number in order to verify your identity and complete a credit check.

Criminal hackers have mastered hacking into databases that contain Social Security numbers then using that information to open new financial accounts. Hackers can then use that number to obtain mobile phones, credit cards, and bank loans.

When you should and should not provide your Social Security number:

According to the Social Security Administration, you should:

1. Show your card to your employer when you start a new job so your records are correct
2. Provide your number to your financial institution(s) for tax reporting purposes
3. Keep your card and any other document that shows your number on it in a safe place
4. Do not routinely carry your card or other documents that display your number

In a world where it’s become all-too easy to lose your identity with a simple mouse click or telephone call, it’s important to protect your Social Security number and your livelihood. Contact us today for more information.

The Internet has changed everything. A simple “status” update can lead intruders straight to your door. A picture taken on a friend’s cell phone can give unwanted guests your exact geological location. A friendly chat between your child and an Internet friend can put him or her in extreme danger. With so many threats out there, how can you protect your family?

Safeguard your family from the dangers of the World Wide Web by taking the proper precautions. At SafeTouch, we want to ensure you and your family are safe everywhere.

• Keep the computer in a central location so you can see your child’s computer screen and when he or she is online.
• Choose gender-neutral usernames for all members of your family to protect both name and gender.
• Alert your family to never give specifics when meeting someone online. Something as simple as “My house is close to the school” can be enough for an intruder to get an idea as to where you live.
• Don’t post any social media status updates that state whether or not you’re out of town or won’t be home for a while. In doing so, you could give potential robbers the opportunity to break into an empty home.
• Invest in Internet Filtering Software so you have control as to when your child is going online, who they are talking to, and even what they’re saying.
• Talk to your children about the dangers of simply surfing the Internet. It’s important to keep communication open and honest.

If you have questions or concerns regarding Internet family safety, contact the professionals at SafeTouch. We’re always pleased to offer advice and information to keep your family guarded.