Reprimand Hide SNN Field For Free

Before 2011, assigned Social Security numbers were based on when and where people were born.The Social Security Administration didn't switch to random number assignments until 2011, meaning a fraudster can steal your identity using your state, date of birth, and the last four digits.

You can't change your Social Security number simply because your card has been lost or stolen, or to avoid bankruptcy or legitimate debts. The only other reasons Social Security will consider assigning a new number are: Sequential numbers assigned to members of your family are causing confusion.

To hide the column that contains the full Social Security numbers, highlight the column, click Format, Column, Hide . Now the final step is to password protect the worksheet so the formula is both hidden and protected and the full Social Security numbers are hidden. Click on Tools, Protection, Protect Sheet .

The biggest problem with any personal identifier system is establishing and maintaining an error-free link between the actual person and the associated number. The Internal Revenue Service recently reported 6.5 million cases of missing, invalid, or duplicate Social Security numbers (Fix, 1995).

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 don't pay the bills, it damages your credit.

Criminal records Once someone has used your Social Security number to find out information on your name and address history, they can use that information to determine if you have a criminal background. Prospective employers often do such background checks.

The SSN is the single most widely used record identifier for both government and the private sector, exerting a broad influence on the lives of most Americans. However, by itself, it is not a personal identifier because it lacks systematic assignment to every person and the means to authenticate a person's identity.