Sending Social Security Number Through Text 

Is it safe to send your Social Security Number Through Text? Well, proceed into the post to find out.

Social Security Number is one of the main ways to steal or compromise someone’s identity. This number gives access to healthcare insurance, tax filings, or even credit card info.

Still wondering if it’s bad to send your Social Security Number via text, or even mail or the internet? Some thieves are ready to take advantage of anyone lacking because they know how significant and relevant these numbers are and will do anything to get them

There are many ways these thieves mostly called hackers steal Social Security Numbers. They can take advantage of a person’s personality via bad cybersecurity practices or social engineering.

So this post was composed as an eye-opener and to eduacte you on what is SSN and to answer the question of if it’s safe to send your social security number through text. Stay tuned for more information.

What is Social Security Number?

Social Security Number is a distinct/unique nine-digit identification number assigned to each citizen, which is both a permanent and temporary resident in the United States.

It is allocated by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and is used for a variety of purposes, including tracking individuals’ earnings and contributions to the Social Security system, and for tax purposes.

Usually, the first three digits of a Social Security number represent the area where the individual was issued the number, while the second two digits are known as the “group number” and are used to identify a group of social security numbers issued within a specific geographic area during a certain period. The last four digits are known as the “serial number” and are assigned consecutively within each group.

And everyone knows, that it is important to protect your social security number, as it can be used to commit other frudulent activities which are identity theft.

So it is always advised that you should only share your SSN with trusted individuals or organizations and should take steps to monitor your credit report and accounts regularly for any unauthorized activity.

An Overview Of Text Security & Encryption

The answer is, Text messages are not encrypted at all, Text messages are sent from point A through a carrier’s network through various states, which are as follows:

• From Phone to cell tower
• Then from the Cell tower to the mobile provider (often through an unencrypted microwave link)
• Provider processes and stores SMS in the database.
• The message is sent in reverse order to the recipient, again unencrypted.

But some carriers might state they use encryption. The truth is that the encryption is built into the GSM or SDNA standards. SMS encryption for mobile transmission ONLY encrypts to the cell phone tower. After the information is received at your local cell phone tower, it is decrypted, then sent to the mobile carrier’s database and stored unencrypted and vulnerable.

Hackers can also collect and crush this encrypted communication with a computer graphics card. With such knowledge, make sure to call up your mobile provider and ask “if text messages are encrypted?”

And also while you asking “Are My Text Messages Encrypted”, you should inquire about what metadata they are keeping about your text messages.

Should You Send Social Security Number Via Text?

To state the truth, Don’t! For your security sake, don’t. Unlike other documents that can be secured in a locked closet, the text is very much vulnerable and can get forwarded and end up in the wrong hands.

There are just too many risks and threats that come with sending a Social Security number through text. Also, the effects of a stolen SSN can be devastating.

How Do I Send Sensitive Information?

There are different methods which you can use to send sensitive information:

Use Encrypted Messengers

Encrypted platforms such as Signal and Wickr Me are two highly-encrypted patterns with which you can send your sensitive information. By adopting these apps, you can be assured the information you send and receive is encrypted. One characteristic that makes this app good is its auto-delete to mitigate storage risks.

Note: WhatsApp is NOT a good option for encrypted messaging, mainly because of the recent reports of the company selling users’ data. This app is owned by Meta (formally Facebook) has been charged and sued many times for misuse of user’s data.

Using FAX

Faxing is a technique used in transmitting documents, typically using a telephone line, that allows a physical document to be sent electronically to a recipient. The term ” FAX” is short for Facsimile, which means an exact copy or reproduction.

To send a Fax, a document is usually placed in a Fax machine or a multifunction printer with fax capability, which then scans the document and converts it into a digital image. The fax machine then proceeds by sailing the recipient’s fav number, and the digital image of the document is transmitted over the telephone line to the recipient’s machine. The recipient’s fax machine then receives the digital image and prints out a physical copy of the document, typically on plain paper.

Using Trustworthy

Trustworthy is a platform that helps you safely share a link that provides a view of your social security number using the secure link feature. The platform gives you access to control who has access to this link for how long. And you can also see how many times the link has been viewed and withdraw access to it at any time.

Tips For Sending Social Security Number Via Text

For those who still want to send their SSNs by text, follow the guide below. This way you will have a lower chance of your SNN falling into the wrong hand.

Be Aware of Scammers:

Being not ignorant will save you a ton, it is important to verify to the home you are to send your social security number. And cases where your social security number are required are as follows:

• Filing income taxes
• Beginning new employment
• Performing business through financial institutions
• Applying for a driver’s license
• Applying for government help/benefits

Any alternate party from these requesting your SSN should be thoroughly scrutinized, and verify the legitimacy of the organization and make sure to know their reasons for requesting your SSN

Inspect/Check Twice Before You Hit Send:

Before sending your SSN, make sure you are sending it to the right recipient. Also, ensure that you entered the correct email address. And ask the recipient to enable two-factor authentication on their email account.

Delete the Emails:

After you send the information via email, delete the email from your sent and trash email folders. And also ask the recipient to do the same once they finish utilizing the SSN.

Send a Partial Social Security Number:

You can send a few digits instead of the whole number. Then, you send the remaining digits in person or through a phone call. A live call is a much more secure and preferable method of ending your SSN Number.

FAQ

What is the safest way to send SSN?

In some cases, if possible, do not send your social security number via an electronic device. And suppose you need to contact an individual and give them your SSN, you should do that privately.

How do I send personal information securely?

You can send your personal information safely, by verifying the recipient’s name, department and email address before starting/sending delicate information via email. You can fasten an attached document containing your personal information, and then save it as “Read Only”, encode it and protect it with a password. And with that, even if it falls into the wrong hand they won’t be able to access it.

How Can I protect my Text Messages?

The answer to this question is to use a safe messaging app. If you need help finding one, check out the platforms listed in the list above.

Conclusion on Sending Social Security Number Through Text

In summary, now, we’ve come to the end of the guide, it can be concluded that it is safer to Fax your Social Security Number than to text it. And yes, faxing is much more preferred to its alternatives, even by industries in transmitting information.

But in all, it all boils down to one’s preference, as for those who will like to use text to transmit such information, make sure to follow the tips on how to safely do that and the best possible platform for such.

And make sure to attend the to details in the post, to get acquainted with important information.

Be sure to share this post with friends and family.