anyone could say that though

um no, you're actually not supposed to "carry around" ANY document with your social security number on it. the only time you would ever need the card itself is if you lose your other forms of identification and you'd only need the number if you're applying for credit or a job or something - in which case you'd know in advance and could grab it beforehand. having the number on you, particularly alongside all of your other forms of identification, credit cards, etc, just makes it that much easier for a thief to completely take over your identity and truly **** you over. why do you think they DON'T print it on licenses or anything? it's also why they tell you to shred, not just throw away, any papers that have your SSN on it after you're done with them

Actually they do print them on military central access cards but that's irrelevant you are right it is dumb to carry anything around with your Ssn on it, unfortunately some of us have to.

write it down on a piece of paper BACKWARDS. that way, the thief will probably get confused (If they even know what the number means) and probably just throw it away in frustration.