When Should You Provide Your Social Security Number?

When asked to provide your Social Security number, here's what the BBB suggests you do: 

1. Ask under what law the number is required.
2. Find out if alternative methods of identification are acceptable, such as a driver’s permit or only the last four digits of your number.
3. In the case of employment recruiters or temp agencies, find out whether you may give your Social Security number directly to a potential employer.
4. Determine who will have access to this data.
5. Ask what steps are taken to protect your personal information.