Your tax form needs your social security number. That school or camp form doesn’t...

Most of us don’t hesitate enough when asked for our social security number...

A lot of institutions and forms ask for it - but that doesn’t mean you should automatically obey. Adam Levin, of Credit.com, says we need need to be more stingy with our number. Here are some places that DON’T need it:

* Public schools: Your utility bill confirms your address. Your email and phone number give them channels to contact you in an emergency. Asking for your Social Security number is overkill.

* Little League, summer camp and the like: For the same reasons as school, a Social Security number should never be required by these groups. If you use credit to pay for the activity, the organization may need your Social Security number. If you pay for it upfront or with a direct debit to your bank account or credit card, they don’t. Period.

* Supermarkets: A frequent shopper card is merely a tool grocery stores use to track your purchases for marketing purposes. Regardless, many supermarket chains request customers’ Social Security numbers on their application forms. Refuse.

The bottom line is to stop and think before handing over your Social Security number. Adam says there are many different ways to identify you without a Social Security number, including your driver’s license or account number. Fight to use those instead.