I wrote an article for a company and they now want me to fill out a w9 form which requires my social security number. Do you think it is safe? I am always wary of giving out my social. What can they do with my social if it is a scam?.--Answer1:You should be wary, but in the end if you want to get paid, you will have to send them the completed form..--Answer2:Only if you want to get paid. They need your social or your tax identification number for you to get paid. If you are worried about it start a company and get a tax identification number for your company. Send them that number and not your social.Im forming an online company and if they want to get paid I need that information. Otherwise I have to claim the income to IRS and that just wont happen..--Answer3:Well, they legally need you to fill out a W9 in order to pay you. For tax reporting purposes.If youre concerned Id suggest doing some due diligence on the company. If it is a scam they could take credit out on your name. (You can contact the credit bureaus for a temporary "freeze" on your credit.) On the other hand millions of W9s are filed annually with honest companies, with no negative consequences..--Answer4:If you are to get paid for the article that you wrote you must fill out a W9. That is the form that validates the transaction for the company to deduct the expense. Form W-9 is the IRS form required by a company to request your taxpayer identification number. You may get a blank Form W-9 to fill out if you or your company are hired to provide services to another company. Most often, Form W-9 is sent to independent contractors, consultants, and other self-employed workers.Is it is safe YES only if the company is reputable. If in doubt go to www.dnb.com and check the company out. The dnb stands for Dun and Bradstreet. Good Luck