You may not think much about your Social Security Card. It sits in your wallet until needed, or perhaps in a desk drawer.

Some people who are very conscious of identity theft problems even keep it in a safe or a bank's safety deposit box. This little card is very important to you though, and perhaps is deserving of further thought.

Your Social Security card contains your Social Security account number. This number, when used with your date of birth, address, and other information, can be easily obtained and used by criminals who want to steal your identity. For this reason if no other, your Social Security card should be protected.

Take care with it, don't carry it unless you need it, and guard that account number on it. Treat it as a private, personal secret. Do not, under any circumstances use your Social Security card as ID, or use your Social Security account number as your driver's license number, as a password for email, or any other use where there is a danger of someone seeing it and using it without your knowledge or authorization.

The current debate over Social Security reform, for instance is discussed in depth by the media, as are Social Security benefits. If you watch the news or read the newspapers, then you know that some members of Congress believe that Social Security is in danger and needs to be reformed. Others dismiss the notion and say that those who wish to reform Social Security, perhaps through some sort of privatization, just want to destroy the system. The debate is an interesting one and you owe it to yourself to stay informed. It seems that your Social Security card itself is playing a major part in national politics these days.

As far as protecting your Social Security card safe from theft, here are a few tips. Only carry it with you when it is absolutely needed. When applying for a new job for instance, you may need to show proof of ID and your Social Security card. This is a legitimate reason to see the card. An employer has to pay you and needs proof of the proper Social Security number.

But, if you are writing a check for instance and the cashier wants to see two forms of ID, do not use your Social Security card as a form of ID. The number is personal. If they ask for it, simply tell them that it is illegal for the Social Security number to be used as an ID number and you will provide an alternative form of identity, such as a drivers' license or a credit card. Keep your Social Security card safe, and it will be there when you need it.