You might have been worried about why Instacart needs your Social Security Number while shopping for the first time or applying for a job there. However, there is a perfectly good explanation for their inquiry.
Instacart may ask for your Social Security Number to conduct a background check.
The company often uses it to verify your credit history and identity and ensure that you have not been convicted of a crime that would make you ineligible to work for them.
To answer your question in depth, we have discussed below why Instacart needs your Social Security Number and whether it is safe to provide them.
A Quick Introduction: Social Security Number and Instacart
Social Security Number (SNN) is a nine-digit number allocated to all permanent and temporary residents of a US state to provide them with their pension, disability allowance, health insurance, etc.
Instacart is a grocery pickup and delivery service that allows customers to order products from various retailers via a mobile app or website and have them delivered or picked up by a personal shopper.
Why Does Instacart Require Your Social Security Number?
Instacart requires Social Security Number for numerous reasons that benefit the company, the shoppers, and the new employees.
Unfortunately, you cannot proceed on Instacart without having a profile, and for creating it, Social Security Number is a must regardless of being a customer or vendor.
Let’s discuss the reasons behind Instacart demanding your Social Security Number.
1. Identity Verification
Instacart requires your Social Security Number from its customers, shoppers, and vendors to verify their identity and ensure they are who they say they are.
By providing your Social Security Number, Instacart will confirm that the information you’ve provided on your application or profile is accurate and that you are permitted to work by law in the United States.
In the United States, everyone must have a Social Security Card, which helps citizens access benefits like retirement income, loans, healthcare, etc.
2. Background Check
Instacart may also use your Social Security Number to conduct a background check of its users and retailers.
This verification process is used to confirm you haven’t been sent down for any offenses that would disqualify you from working as a delivery driver or shopper for Instacart.
The background check at Instacart may also include an examination of your driving record to ensure that you have a valid driver’s license and haven’t had any major road infractions.
Instacart’s retailers and employees who don’t pass the background check process will not be able to work with Instacart, as it’s one of the company’s eligibility requirements.
3. Compliance With Tax Laws and Regulations
Instacart is required to comply with tax laws and regulations. They use your Social Security Number for tax purposes, such as reporting your income to the IRS and ensuring that they correctly withhold your taxes.
4. Credit Check
Instacart offers credit to its users, retailers, and shoppers. The company may use your Social Security Number to run a credit check to verify your identity and assess your creditworthiness.
The credit history will determine your eligibility for certain services or benefits the company offers, such as an extended credit line or a promotion.
Is It Safe To Provide Social Security Number to Instacart?
Yes, it is safe to provide your Social Security Number to Instacart because they aim to collect, use, disclose, and retain your personal information online under the law and privacy policies.
Moreover, providing your Social Security Number is generally voluntary; if you decline to give it, Instacart may limit your ability to work or access certain services or benefits such as:
- Ability to get credit.
- Tax relaxations.
- Low commission deductions.
- Long contracts.
Instacart’s Social Security Number check process complies with the (FCRA) Fair Credit Reporting Act, which regulates how background check information can be collected, used, and shared.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve discussed why Instacart needs your Social Security Number and whether it is necessary to provide it.
Instacart and other big companies usually demand SNN from their customers, employees, and contractors to conduct a background on which they offer contracts and employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Opt Out of the Credit Check Process at Instacart?
The credit check at Instacart is a requirement for particular services or benefits the company offers; therefore, you may not be able to opt out of the process if you wish to access them.
Can I Provide an Alternative Form of Identification Instead of My Social Security Number to Instacart?
According to Instacart’s policy and regulations, you may be able to offer an alternative form of identification, such as a passport or driver’s license number.
Can I Dispute Any Inaccurate Information on My Background Check Report From Instacart?
You can deny any erroneous information on your background check report from Instacart as per the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Does Instacart Share My Social Security Number With Other Companies?
Instacart does not share your Social Security Number with other companies except as required legally or as necessary to conduct background checks.
How Often Does Instacart Run Background Checks on Its Employees?
Instacart may run background checks regularly, depending on the company’s policies and regulations.
