"Meanie" wrote:
wrote in message
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On Tue, 4 Dec 2012 21:30:05 -0500, "Meanie" wrote:


wrote in message
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On Dec 4, 8:27 pm, Metspitzer wrote:
I was talking on the phone with my cousin today. She has worked as a
substitute teacher in several schools. She is between jobs. One of
the things she mentioned was that they require her to furnish her SSN
on job applications. Since the wrong person could do some serious
damage with your SSN, I really think it is a bad idea to have to
furnish them for a job application.

How is a prospective employer supposed to do
any kind of background checks without even a
SS #? It's typically asked for when applying for a
loan, credit card, apartment rental, hospital visit,
etc. So, I don't see the issue as being unique
or unreasonable in regard to employment.

Financial institutes, leasing agencies, medical facilities, etc. all
require
financial payment for services and/or goods. They require the need to
check
credit history to ensure they deal with a financially responsible person
so
they can get paid. An employer does not and simply pays the employee to do
a
job. If anything, the applicant should check the history of the employer
to
ensure they've never had problems with payroll. There is no need for an
employer to seek SSN....period.

No need for the PROSPECTIVE employer to have your SSN - but once you
are hired he needs it for with-holding taxes etc.
A hotel, car rental, library, credit card company, bank, or anyone NOT
directly involved in my "social security" does NOT get my number - and
is told in no uncertain terms that asking for it is treading on thin
ice.

Agreed. AFTER the hire, it is needed. Prior to, I don't believe it is.

To answer Owen, no, I am not sure bout that. I simply don't find a reason to
request it until an applicant becomes an employee.

As for bad credit indicating sloppy people, I also disagree. Many people
with poor credit history are responsible, just poor money management. I know
several people with this type of history and I can assure you, they aren't
sloppy. IMO, it's similar to the insurance agencies asking the SSN to
determine rates....bull****!

I recently requested an auto insurance quote. When he asked for my SS
number I asked him why he needed that.

His answer: "You don't have to give me your SS number if you don't want
to."

I didn't and still got the quote.