SOCIAL SECURITY Q & amp;A

Q. I've always kept my Social Security card in my wallet, right with my driver's license and other identification cards. A co-worker told me that I should not carry it with me. Is this true?
A. With the growing concern about identity theft, we now advise individuals to keep their Social Security cards in a safe place to prevent loss or theft. We recommend keeping your card with your other valuable documents, rather than carrying it in your purse or wallet. Take your card with you only when you are going somewhere that the card will be needed, such as to a job interview. Return it to a secure place.
In addition to protecting your card, you should also protect your Social Security number. Criminals can use your card or even your number to apply for credit, get a job, open a bank account or in other ways commit identity theft. For more information, visit the Web site at www.ssa.gov or call (800) 772-1213.
Knight Ridder Newspapers