Comments on: Dare I Send Confidential Info? Ask Anne The Pro Writer

By: Debbi

Debbi — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:47:14 +0000

Once upon a time, getting an EIN was considered a kind of buffer–a number associated more with your business than yourself–so you could give it to clients with some assurance that your personal identity was protected. It seemed to make a certain amount of sense–I think there are limits to how EINs can be used. I don’t think they can be used to set up personal credit lines or credit cards, for instance.

However, your question got me thinking, so I did some checking around. Apparently, some “business identity” theft is taking place using stolen EINs–illegal aliens and other people are absconding with EINs to set up bogus businesses. This I did not know.

I still feel more comfortable using an EIN than my SSN, if only because you need to provide an SSN to engage in personal financial transactions. At least, I think so. If not, then in the words of Emily Litella–”never mind.”

Debbi’s last blog post..Quotation for the Week of December 14

By: Andy Hayes

Andy Hayes — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:41:40 +0000

I’ve applied @ Demand and yet to receive a response – and this is after 3 months and a couple of chaser emails. If they aren’t interested, then just say so!

By: admin

admin — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:23:29 +0000

Debbi, why would an ein be safer?

By: Debbi

Debbi — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 04:16:34 +0000

One solution to the whole SSN problem is to obtain an EIN -- employer identification number -- from the IRS. You can find the form online. And you don't have to employ anyone other than yourself to get one. Debbi’s last blog post..Quotation for the Week of December 14

By: admin

admin — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:27:24 +0000

Brick, you’ll probably find something and I’m glad you’re watching your credit.

By: admin

admin — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:25:41 +0000

Hey Carol, you’re more than welcome… and when readers ask questions I don’t have to dream up new content

By: Brick

Brick — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:19:09 +0000

I’ve applied and been approved to write for Demand Studios, but there’s nothing I qualify for on what I was approved. So far, nothing untoward has shown up on my credit from them.

By: Carol

Carol — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:43:12 +0000

Thank you all for your helpful responses. And thanks, Anne, for posting this!

By: admin

admin — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:42:34 +0000

Good to hear the positive reports, thanks Tamsen, Annie and Veronica.

By: Veronica Shine

Veronica Shine — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:42:47 +0000

I also have written for Demand Studio and submitted my S/S with no problem. The were a delight to work for in the past and it will give you an opportunity to write as much as possible and the money builds up fast. Maybe too fast when I receive the 1099 for 2008.