Earlier today, our security guru, Nima Sharifimehr, made some very valuable comments about the security of Social Security Numbers. Nima's comments inspired me to post this - a guide to who can and who cannot ask for your Social Insurance Number. Unfortunately, this article will only cover our Canadian readers, but I'm going to do some research and try to write the same article, only from an American perspective.

Information in this posting is taken primarily from Service Canada's wonderful information about Social Insurance Numbers. Service Canada is quite adamant about the fact that Social Insurance Numbers are most commonly used by your employer, for taxation purposes, and by financial institutions which pay you income on money you have deposited.

Some private sector organizations may ask for your Social Insurance Number. Service Canada claims that this practice is 'not illegal, though it is highly discouraged.' You DO NOT have to give your Social Insurance Number (or show your Social Insurance card) for the following reasons:

• proving your identity (except for specific government programs)
• completing a job application before you get the job
• completing an application to rent a property
• negotiating a lease with a landlord
• completing credit card application
• cashing a cheque
• applying for a video club membership
• completing some banking transactions (mortgage, line of credit, loan)
• completing a medical questionnaire
• renting a car
• subscribing to long-distance or cellular telephone services
• writing a will
• applying to a university or college.

Remember - always protect your personal information because the more information that is out there, the easier it is to steal your identity.