Strongly advise the number holder to resist efforts by third parties to retain his or her SSN card, even for short periods of time. Whenever possible, explain that SSA does not approve of such practices, but the final decision is up to the number holder (NH).

FO management should contact a third party who retains SSN cards to explain that he or she should return the cards to the NHs to prevent misuse.

• •

  If the third party needs only the SSN, he or she should copy the number from the card and return the card to the NH.

• •

  If the third party requires a copy of the card, he or she should photocopy the card and promptly return the original card to the NH.

FO management may ask the Regional Office to intercede if all FO efforts fail to convince the third party not to retain SSN cards.