Your nine-digit Social Security number (SSN) can be key to securing a job, applying for credit and opening a bank account. Unfortunately, it's also a key that unlocks all sorts of opportunities for crooks, especially those looking to steal your identity or your money.
To steer clear of an SSN nightmare, keep your Social Security number safe by storing it in a secure location, not sharing it with other people and making other moves to prevent it from ending up in the wrong hands. Here are eight steps to take to keep your Social Security number safe.