National insurance number

[PurplePixie]

I'd like to know how important it is to keep your National insurance number secret, if at all. Could anyone use it for illegal purposes if they got hold of it?

[Kev_UK]

Your employer or benefits agency and tax office, doctor, etc need to know it. Like other things, it may be used by illegal immigrants (asylum seekers).. remember to always shred anything containing your name and address (even junk mail) if throwing stuff away.

[smudge]

I'd second that. I treat mine like I would my bank pin numbers, etc.

[sft42]

It's not that important in that no one can take money away from you with it...only pay national insuranc credits with it but as part of a bigger picture it could be used to aid identity theft so do keep it secret.

[kags]

Kev_UK - just for your reference, asylum seekers are NOT illegal immigrants. There is nothing illegal about seeking asylum under the Geneva Convention of 1951. Please do not add to the multitude of rubbish that is already published in the tabloid press about this group of people.

[brawburd]

well said Kags.

[mafdaf]

Asylum seekers?Illegal immigrants?Are you talking about those big-headed ******* from eastern europe,the ones with the monobrows and bad body odour? If you are than they are one of the same people regardless of their status.I hate them.