ATLANTA -- Some job applicants are finding that when they apply for a job, they might be required to submit their Social Security Number. That worries at least one job applicant who e-mailed 11Alive.
With concerns about identity theft, you should definitely be vigilant in protecting your Social Security number.
Christine e-mailed us and said a recruiter had contacted her about a job at AT&T. According to the recruiter, AT&T requires applicants to submit their Social Security number along with their application.
Here's Christine's e-mail:
"I've been out of work for a year and have repeatedly been contacted by "recruiting" companies presenting me with positions at AT&T that they are "currently looking to fill". The problem is that these companies request that you give them your social security number before presenting you to AT&T. They keep telling me that this is something AT&T requires when presenting an applicant?? While trying to verify this, I can never seem to get a phone number or contact for human resources at AT&T to confirm or deny this claim.
"Can you investigate and let those of us out here know if this is true or not? Another ploy is for them to tell us that more and more companies are demanding this information on the front end. I don't believe this either but if you can look into it we'd greatly appreciate it!"
11Alive got in touch with a spokesperson at AT&T Wednesday. That spokesperson said they do require applicants to submit their social security numbers with their applications. The company uses the SSN to track applications and perform background checks on prospective employees.
According to the Society for Human Resource Management, it is not illegal or unethical for employers to ask for an applicant's Social Security number. But, it is unusual for a company to exercise such a practice.
That being said, it's always a good rule of thumb to thoroughly investigate the legitimacy of any company before you hand over your social security number.
