The CFPB will ensure that employees authorized to collect information are aware:

1. (a) That individuals may not be denied any right, benefit, or privilege as a result of refusing to provide their Social Security numbers, unless the collection is authorized either by a statute or by a regulation issued prior to 1975; and

2. (b) That individuals requested to provide their Social Security numbers must be informed of:

   1. (1) Whether providing Social Security numbers is mandatory or voluntary;
   2. (2) Any statutory or regulatory authority that authorizes the collection of Social Security numbers; and
   3. (3) The uses that will be made of the numbers.