Strongly advise number holders to resist efforts by third parties to retain their 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 the card should be returned to the NH to prevent misuse.

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  Third parties that only need the SSN can copy the number from the card and return the card to the NH.

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  Third parties that require a copy of the card 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.