Questions: Which of the following is a way that someone could steal your social security number? Choose 1 answer. (A) Your utility company calls you and asks you to verify your account using your social security number. (B) You fill out a job application that asks for your social security number. (C) You give your social security number to a government agency.

The answer is the first one (A): Your utility company calls you and asks you to verify your account using your social security number.

Explanation for each option:

(A) Your utility company calls you and asks you to verify your account using your social security number.

• This is a common scam tactic known as "phishing," where someone impersonates a legitimate company to trick you into giving out personal information. If you provide your social security number in this scenario, it could be stolen and used for identity theft.

(B) You fill out a job application that asks for your social security number.

• While it is common for job applications to request your social security number for background checks or tax purposes, this is not inherently a way for someone to steal it, assuming the application is legitimate and handled securely.

(C) You give your social security number to a government agency.

• Providing your social security number to a government agency is generally safe, as these agencies require it for identification and record-keeping purposes. However, you should always ensure you are dealing with a legitimate agency.

In summary, option (A) is the most likely scenario where someone could steal your social security number through deceptive means.