Supplying Your Social Security Number Online

Most internet business sites that offer affiliate accounts say that the "taxman" requires them to ask for your social security number.

DON'T GIVE IT TO THEM, until you are absolutely sure that they are trustworthy.

That sounds reasonable, BUT IT'S STILL STUPID. How do you know that all of their employees are trustworthy?

They say that the government requires it. Of course the government wants your income reported by someone other than you, but don't people see how ridiculous this is?

I suspect that a lot of these money-making companies are actually fake phishing sites set up to get personal information.

An honest company wouldn't require this information until time to pay you, as is Google's policy.

The only solution I see is to give a fake SS# on an application (no one should LEGALLY be able to check the number). Then make the correction on your tax form if you make any taxable income from this company.

Anyone have a better idea? Send it to me.

I'll put it here.