YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY
By DAVID BROWN

In a time when identity fraud is a major concern, Social Security is working hard to protect your Social Security number.

Our efforts are focused on preventing anyone with criminal intent from using false or stolen birth records to get a Social Security number. A new law, which went into effect last December, requires, for example, specific proofs of the age, identity and citizenship of anyone applying for either a new or replacement Social Security card.

Also, all documents used as proofs of age, identity or citizenship must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.

Even before the most recent law, additional steps had been taken to protect Social Security numbers. For example, Social Security numbers have been removed from all benefit checks, and now only the last digits of Social Security numbers are used on such mailings as the annual Social Security Statement. This ensures that if someone should steal your mail, he or she would not also be able to steal your number.

But protecting your Social Security number is still a joint effort. Here are just a few things you can do:

_ You should keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you unless you need to show it to an employer or service provider.

_ You should be very careful about sharing your number and card to protect against misuse of your number. Giving your number is voluntary even when you are asked for the number directly. If requested, you should ask why your number is needed, and how your number will be used.

For more information about protecting your Social Security number, you can visit the Social Security Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov. Or you can call Social Security's toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the publication Your Social Security Number and Card. Also, if you would like more information on preventing identity theft, you can visit www.consumer.gov .

Mr. Brown is District Manager of the Social Security Administration's Downtown New York Office.