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Dear Amy: I am a new mom. My baby is 4 months old.
With the holidays just around the corner, I have many family members asking for the child's Social Security number because they would like to purchase savings bonds for the child.
In the past, we have dealt with identity theft within the family, and I am not comfortable putting my child at risk.
What is the proper response to a family member asking for the Social Security number of the child to purchase savings bonds as gifts?
Not everyone in the family is aware of the past problems, and I don't want to make it sound as though I don't trust anyone, but I just don't want to risk the Social Security number getting in the wrong hands. Protective Mother
Dear Protective: You do not need a recipient's Social Security number to purchase a savings bond as a gift -- as long as the savings bond is purchased in paper form (not electronic) through a financial institution.
If the bond is purchased online through the Treasury Department, the giver will set up an online account and will need the recipient's Social Security number to complete the transaction. For more info, check www.treasurydirect.gov.
I agree with your instinct to be careful with your child's Social Security number. Don't give it casually to anyone.
You need to say to family members only that you very much appreciate the gesture but that you've been advised to keep the baby's Social Security number private. Ask if they'd be willing to obtain a paper bond as a gift, and assure them you'll keep it secure.
Send questions to Amy Dickinson by e-mail to askamy@tribune.com or by mail to Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.
With the holidays just around the corner, I have many family members asking for the child's Social Security number because they would like to purchase savings bonds for the child.
In the past, we have dealt with identity theft within the family, and I am not comfortable putting my child at risk.
What is the proper response to a family member asking for the Social Security number of the child to purchase savings bonds as gifts?
Not everyone in the family is aware of the past problems, and I don't want to make it sound as though I don't trust anyone, but I just don't want to risk the Social Security number getting in the wrong hands. Protective Mother
Dear Protective: You do not need a recipient's Social Security number to purchase a savings bond as a gift -- as long as the savings bond is purchased in paper form (not electronic) through a financial institution.
If the bond is purchased online through the Treasury Department, the giver will set up an online account and will need the recipient's Social Security number to complete the transaction. For more info, check www.treasurydirect.gov.
I agree with your instinct to be careful with your child's Social Security number. Don't give it casually to anyone.
You need to say to family members only that you very much appreciate the gesture but that you've been advised to keep the baby's Social Security number private. Ask if they'd be willing to obtain a paper bond as a gift, and assure them you'll keep it secure.
Send questions to Amy Dickinson by e-mail to askamy@tribune.com or by mail to Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.
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