Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America.  A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you.  Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name.  Then, they use the credit cards and do not pay the bills.  You may not find out that someone is using your number until you are turned down for credit, or you begin to get calls from unknown creditors demanding payment for items you never bought.

For more information, see Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number.