The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to those carrying an important item in their wallets.
Americans have been told not to keep their Social Security card on their person.
Instead the Social Security Administration (SSA) advises keeping the card in a safe place and only providing it when absolutely necessary, which is rare.
In fact, the agency recommends remembering the number on the card as this is normally all that is required, for example, for filing tax returns.
However, when asked for your number the SSA says you should ask three simple questions to determine whether or not you should give it.
‘You should always ask why your number is needed, how it will be used, and what will happen if you refuse,’ the agency states on its website.
The SSA also reminded Americans that Social Security cards are not identity documents, and in almost all cases another document can act in its place.
For example, a birth certificate, permanent resident card or or I-94.
The SSA has advised Americans not to keep their Social Security card on their person
The need to guard your card has only become greater with the rise of online fraud.
Criminals only need a name and Social Security number to apply for credit, open new bank accounts and even steal tax refunds.
They also caution against carrying any other document that might have your social security number on it.
Although it is important to keep your Social Security card safe if it does get lost there are options.
The Social Security online service allows residents of 45 states and the District of Columbia to request a new card free of charge provided there are no changes needed.
In October, it emerged money transfer app Moneygram was hit by major hack that exposed customer Social Security numbers and bank accounts.
Meanwhile, Social Security is expected to run short on funds by 2035, according to a new report.
Social Security relies on its trust funds to provide monthly benefit checks to around 70 million Americans.
But an aging population is pushing up the cost of the program as a smaller share of people are paying into it, and spending is outpacing income.