Time to retire Social Security numbers

Like most people, I didn’t think much about my Social Security number – until I got a bizarre call from a total stranger.

“Hello?” I answered suspiciously, because I saw “restricted” on my smartphone screen.

“Hello, Tom.”

“Who is this? What do you want?”

“Who I am isn’t important. I called to thank you for working hard and paying your bills on time. Your excellent credit...