Kind of hard to get a job without giving your Social Security number out.

I rarely give it out, but never refuse. When asked I avoid conflict and just put down 123-45-6789. Maybe once in 50 times I will be questioned on that. Bottom line is they rarely need or use it. (But I wonder about the credit of whoever has that number!)

When I bought my house, I had to show them my social security number, there was no way around it. Could I have said no? It didn't occur to me at the time, maybe I should have.

Vfern is absolutely correct on this; you do not need to give this information out at all, not even the last four digits of your number, which seems to happen often. If asked to do so, ask them what would happen if you did not, they usually say nothing will! When you do have to give it out for a bank loan or credit card information, asked them if they will then dispose of your Social Security number once they loan has been secured.