Your Social Security number is one of the keys to your financial castle. There are high-tech schemes to steal your number using phishing emails or spyware, as well as low-tech methods like Dumpster diving or theft. No matter which approach a scammer may try, you need to be vigilant.

Here are a few tips to help protect your Social Security number:

Leave your Social Security card at home

When you do not need your Social Security card, leave it at home and in a secure location, like a locked safe. This limits the chance someone could glance at your card or steal your wallet with your personal information.

Shred documents with your number

Instead of simply throwing away mail that displays your Social Security number and other personal details, shred these documents to keep thieves from seeing this information.

Never give out your Social Security

number over

the phone

Some cons may call posing as officials from the Social Security Administration, asking you to confirm your number. Likewise, beware of providing your number to anyone who asks for it by email- this is typically done by an imposter sending you an email looking like it is your bank or credit card company asking you to fill out personal information via an online form.

Ask questions

Sometimes you will need to provide your Social Security number to a financial institution or insurance company. But if you are not sure, ask the entities why they need it, how will they store and secure your personal information, if it will be shared with others and what the protocols are for a data breach.

If you believe your Social Security number may have been stolen, contact the Social Security Administration for help at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/kc/id_resources.htm.

For information about other scams, sign up for AARP’s Fraud Watch Network. Registrants receive free email alerts with tips and resources to help you spot and avoid identity theft and fraud and gain access to a network of experts, law enforcement and people in your community who will keep you up-to-date on the latest scams in the area.