And leave it off "Public records." A simple request to Court or IRS has the SS# sealed.

Bartender: Can you believe this idiot? He just left his social security number on the back of his tab.
Manager: Your the idiot! That's not frogio's social security number. It's an IOU.

This is very elementary, and one would have to question the brain content of someone who would actually do this.

Most states until about ten years ago used to REQUIRE your SS number on your drivers' permit. Incredible stupidity.

People started to howl about this, and the libertarians got on the case also. I believe that this is all behind us now in most areas of the country.

I haven't seen this in years. . .some reviewers have left fascinating commentary.

Also- keep your SS card at home instead of your wallet.

duh...

Yes this is good advice. Offer a thief the least information you can. It is amazing how careful you have to be these days. But it is now neccessary to think hard about what kind of information you put out there and to whom? It's like walking through a minefield. Watch your step!

You mean this is not a good idea?

Does anyone ever do this?

I work in a casino, and I am constantly amazaed at how many people actually do this. That, and putting their driver's license on their checks. And then they get upset when we ask to see the license anyway and say something stupid like "But it's already on there!" I really wish I had the chance to take these people aside and slap them. I've even seen couple's who put BOTH DL numbers on their checks, AND their SSN's. What kind of stupidity is that???? Last time I called and ordered checks, my bank advised against anything but my name on my check, but I figured you end up giving everyone that info in order to cash a check, you may as well put the basic stuff on there. (Note: I write maybe two checks a month, and both of those are to people or businesses I trust)

We're already required to give out our social security # to so many people in so many places that I don't see what difference it makes now.

Once upon a time we were forced to have them on our driver's license. But what kind of Dora Dimwit would actually have them printed on their checks?

Last time I went to re-order my checks, I was shocked when the bank clerk asked if I wanted my social printed on them too. I didn't even put my phone number. I don't like using checks as it is, it's getting easier and easier for people to steal from you. All they need is your check number and they can deduct all they want, and once that's done, you never get your money back.

I have seen this done numerous times, two of the most used identifiers for a thief to have to get access to your accounts as well as to open up credit cards and loans using your name.