Posted by Dawn Rinchiuso on 9/8/05 8:54am
Msg #64154

Are you putting Personal Info on UNSECURED websites??

How many of you have signed up with a signing company online in addition to needing to fax additional items (i.e., W-9, contractor agreements, etc.)? Most signing company websites ask for your social security number to submit online.. did you know that most of the companies that I've personally signed up with (now, this is just MY observation), it won't let you submit your information without a number of "some kind" in that box. Because I've already had my identity stolen once.. (once bitten, twice shy).. lately I've been putting a bogus social security number to submit on the website and then faxing my W-9 with my correct social security number on it. In this day and age, why would anyone post their social security number on a site that is "unsecure"? To know that a site IS secure, you either look for a "locked" padlock in the corner of the webpage OR if when you are typing information on a webpage, look at the address bar and if it IS secure.. it will look like https:// The addition of the "s" after http: is CRUCIAL to know if the site is secure. NOTE TO SIGNING COMPANIES ... either make your site "secure" for input of personal information OR take out the part where we are asked to put in our social security number. Anybody else have any other thoughts on how to deal with this issue??

Reply by Charm_AL on 9/8/05 8:58am
Msg #64156

This topic has been discussd at great lengths...try a search for EIN and you'll find a lot of discussion.

Reply by PAW_Fl on 9/8/05 8:59am
Msg #64157

Don't use your Social Security Number

Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Even as a sole proprietor, you are eligible to get and use an EIN instead of your SSN. It's easy to get. It's FREE too. I suggest you complete the SS-4 form then CALL the IRS number to get your EIN. At the end of the call, the IRS agent will tell you what your EIN is. (The reason to call, is that if there are any questions, it can be resolved on the spot.) The call will take about 15 minutes.

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=97860,00.html

Reply by Dawn Rinchiuso on 9/8/05 9:43am
Msg #64163

Re: Don't use your Social Security Number

Thank you soooo much PAW_Fl !!! I just got my EIN number and it only took 9 minutes!!
You're a genius! Thanks again!

Reply by LawrenceOK on 9/8/05 9:56am
Msg #64165

Re: Don't use your Social Security Number

DO NOT supply these sites with a bogus SSN, it may be illegal. Instead enter all digits like this 000-00-0000 and then send them the w-9. But as everyone agrees, it is better to use an EIN.

Reply by Dawnrin on 9/8/05 10:07am
Msg #64168

Re: Don't use your Social Security Number

I've tried to just put in all zeros and it wouldn't let me submit. As far as whether it is "legal" or not; let them try to sue me for not wanting to put my social security number in cyberspace! Besides, I've now got my EIN and am ready to "come clean".. : )

Reply by Mdene_AZ on 9/8/05 9:11pm
Msg #64283

Re: Don't use your Social Security Number

I just tuned in and want to thank all of you for your input! I am going to get an EIN too!!!