Social Security Numbers

March 02, 2010 03:17AM

I've been doing Mystery Shopping for approximately a month now. I'm finding that it is something I enjoy doing very much.

One concern I'm having is this: When I apply online at several of the Mystery Shopping firms, they want my Social Security Number. I'm real hesitant to give that out, especially before they've even accepted me as a shopper. But if I don't put the number down, the page won't go through.

I understand the company needing the Social Security Number AFTER they hire you for a job and are intending to pay you, but why are they so insistent on the number before they've even made a decision about you?

AND have any of you ever had a bogus Mystery Shop company wrongfully use your Social Security Number? I'd appreciate any information on this. Thank you.

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March 02, 2010 06:17AM

I've read that some companies will allow you to use 999-99-9999 for purposes of the application. You will need to provide a tax ID number eventually, though.

If you're concerned about giving your social security number, request a taxpayer identification number from the IRS. go to www.irs.gov & look up form ss4. You can fill it out & call the IRS. They'll give you your number right away. Then, you can use that number instead of your social security number for MS applications.

Good luck!

March 02, 2010 06:20AM

There is some IRS certification thing the MSP's have been going through this past year. I don't pretend to know what it involves, but some that I used to not have to give my SSN to until I hit the $600 pay for the year changed to require it, due to that. I'm sure there are people here, like Flash, who are better schooled in the financial end that might know. But I do know it's rapidly being required by all.

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March 02, 2010 08:33AM

Thank you, Joytron. That's an excellent suggestion. I'm going to request a taxpayer identification number.

Dee, I actually begrudgingly gave out my SSN and then put a wrong birthday on purpose just thinking I was protecting myself in some LITTLE way until I filled out one application and it said that the SSN and birthdate would be verified BEFORE they'd put me on their list. I'm assuming they might be doing this to make sure that only legal people are working for them. So then, of course, I had to go back and put in my correct birthday.

March 02, 2010 01:03PM

We can also take precautions by making sure the MSP's site is secure, before providing such identifiers.

March 02, 2010 03:00PM

And checking the security is fairly simple. In the URL bar with the address a secure website shows up as https:// rather than http:// Watch for that 's'

Taxpayer ID numbers have their own issues. I just use my SSN and have never had a problem. Just make sure you are signing up with a legitimate company from a legitimate list and don't send your personal info by email request unless you absolutely know for sure who you are sending it to. Emailing personal information is not how this business is run (though with some companies you may email or mail an application or W-9 as an attachment AFTER you have signed up on their website and as part of that process).

March 02, 2010 04:40PM

I have not had any problems providing my social security number. I am careful to apply only to reputable companies.

March 06, 2010 04:06PM

I agree. You have to be careful and when I can, I put in all 9s until I'm sure. I already regret having supplied information to some companies, although thankfully, I'm pretty certain my SS# was not part of the info. I submitted.

March 06, 2010 11:50PM

I've gone that same route of using 999s, or 123..., only to be advised that SSN was already on record. Sometimes takes several attempts at faking out

March 07, 2010 04:57AM

When I first starting shopping I was able to put in all 0's for the social security number, but then it didn't work any more.

I have my social security number registered with so many companies that I never even heard from.

I was thinking of removing my profile from some of these mystery shop companies, but then I get an email or call to do a shop.

March 08, 2010 04:29AM

What exactly are you afraid they are going to do with your social security number?

Do you really think you are that important?

March 08, 2010 05:21AM

biggeorge2k Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What exactly are you afraid they are going to do
> with your social security number?
>
> Do you really think you are that important?

Are you back again? Please go away. You've already been deactivated for bad behavior.

March 08, 2010 05:30AM

biggeorge, it has nothing to do with being important or not. People misuse others' social security numbers whether they're important people or not important people.

biggeorge2k Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What exactly are you afraid they are going to do
> with your social security number?
>
> Do you really think you are that important?

March 09, 2010 04:27PM

in the past people used other people social security no to obtain credit.

March 12, 2010 02:40AM

Biggeorge: We are here to help each other, not make nasty remarks.

March 12, 2010 02:41AM

Ignore him - It is most like the same BigGeorge that had the ridiculous sniper rant a few months ago.

March 12, 2010 03:53AM

Warning: This User Has Been Banned or Is No Longer Active

biggeorge, there is the issue of Identity theft that is becoming rampant these days.

You don't have to be famous for someone to get your SS # and use it to your disadvantage. That's why people are hesitant to give it out.

my god, dee shops.. do you ever practice what you preach? I seen you make a couple of snippy remarks in the short time I've been here. I thought there was a rule against flaming others on this website.

Maybe biggeorge isn't aware of why giving out your SS # is bad news. Lots of kids are not aware that's bad news these days either. So many places ask for it now.... we should all have a system where we cud give out our tax ID number instead.

That's a very good idea, Flash, ty for the suggestion.

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