Even for an online tutoring job?
What I’m really asking is if it necessary to give one’s SSN on any or all job applications.
It is impossible to apply to some jobs online without it, but others do not ask for it.
How are they going to (legally) pay you if they don’t have your SSN?
Well, on paper applications, I always would put, “Will provide if hired” as I was always taught to keep my number to myself. But online apps won’t let you do that.
You provide it on your W-4, after being hired. I wouldn’t put it on just the application.
NO WAY should you ever provide an SSN to an on-line application, unless you are absolutely 100% certain that;
1> The employer is legit
2> The application is ONLY going to their internal HR, not through someone else.
3> You check with them first and they insist.
Craigslist job asking you to email resume to wonderfuljobs@yahoo.com or some other nonsense like that? You’re a complete fool if you give them that information.
This.
If an online application “requires” one use 999-99-9999 and add an addendum somewhere else in the application that Inner Stickler suggests, “will provide if hired.”
The company is legit; no Craigslist nonsense. I like the 999 etc. idea, though.
I don’t see why they would need it until hiring is completed.
Verizon Wireless demanded paycheck stubs from previous jobs. I thought that was insanely overreaching.
When I was younger and living in my first apartment, the creepy older guy in the next unit got arrested. Turns out he was stealing people identities. What he would do is rent a temp office space and put an ad in the local paper stating that he was starting a new company and was interviewing for positions. The mark would come in and fill out the application including SS number, address and all the information that the idiot would need to open charge accounts.
I remember once needing tires for my car and he told me that he would let me use his “Sears charge” to get the tires and I could give him $50 and we would call it even. The younger person in me was confused, but I am glad I didn’t take him up on the offer. What he was doing was taking the charge card he got with someone else’s info, letting a friend or whoever use it (thereby taking the risk of getting caught) and then collecting cash from them. They would get whatever product they needed at a big discount, he would get cash and the “mark” would have to repair his credit.
This was way before the internet and if this guy is still around I am sure he is trying to scam on the 'Net. After that experience, I rarely give my SS number to anyone.
They may want to use E-verify to verify that you are entitled to work and do it before they go to the trouble if offering you a job. I understand that Alabama requires them to do it.
There is this disconnect. For an ID number to be of any use, you have to be able to give to third parties, but any time you do that you are taking a chance of its being stolen. Same with a credit card now that I think about it. Although the new chip readers avoid the middle-man, if you accept that no one is intercepting the reader.