Identity theft is a serious crime that can lead to financial ruin. One of the most important pieces of information that identity thieves need is your Social Security number (SSN). If someone has your SSN, they can use it to open new credit accounts, take out loans, and even file taxes in your name. This can damage your credit, cost you money, and cause you a lot of headaches.
The Social Security number was first introduced in the United States in 1935 as a way to track workers’ earnings for Social Security benefits. However, over the years, the SSN has become increasingly used for other purposes, such as identification and credit checks. This has made it a valuable target for identity thieves.