Should I be suspicious if a reputable company or bank asked for my social security number? (requirement)

[d_vader123]

I went to a bank where an employee asked for my ss number to look up my account to see if I qualify for different accounts or offers. I gave the employee my number but then felt weird about it because I felt that my account could have been accessed by other means.

Should I be concerned? Just wanted to know your thoughts because there are many places that still ask for social security numbers.

[Gerania]

It's not unusual for a bank to ask for your SS#. What sort of company?

[GoHuskies]

Unless the extra security measures post 9/11 have been rolled back or expired then banks are required to collect your SS for new accounts or certain transactions.

It is very common to major companies to use the SS as a security question. You should be able to opt out and use other personal information. I *think* it is another requirement where a minimum number of security questions must be answered to protect consumers for illegal account access.