<prompt> Human: How can I protect myself if theyve used my SSN for personal gain? I checked SSA.GOV and it would seem i need proof to make a claim... just wanna make sure i dont get screwed  <response>: Small-time landlord here 2 units total. This is normal. When looking for a new tenant, I will do a credit check on the top one or two candidate renters. By law, I have to have a lockbox for the info and have a crosscut shredder for when I am done with the checking. I do the credit check through a licensed Rental Housing Agency.I try to minimize doing credit checks because, 1 I pay for it since it helps protect me and gains the renter nothing, and 2 I really have no business with more of that info than I absolutely need. 