Social Security info vulnerable

I recently contacted my bank to arrange to have my safe deposit box replaced as I have misplaced my key.

When asking for identifying information, I was asked to supply the last six digits of my Social Security number.

I was surprised because in the past, I was only asked for the last four or five. I foolishly provided it before thinking out the consequences. With this information, all one needs to learn the full number is to find the birthplace of the individual by area, prior to June 2011, when they were randomized.

Finding out the city of birth is a large step. This seems to me to make an individual more susceptible to identity theft. I will be contacting someone higher up the chain of command to see if there is a work-around.

I know banks need to check identities for their own protection, but not at the risk to members. If I cannot get this issue addressed, I will be shopping for another bank. Surely not all of them have this requirement.

RUTH NICHOLS

Champaign

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