It may not be as unique as fingerprints or DNA, but more websites are starting to use your complete birthday (month, date, and year) as proof of your identity.

For instance, when I want to get funds from one of my online payment portals, the site asks for my complete to confirm the action. Many ecommerce sites ask for the customers birthday as part of their purchase verification procedures, aside from the credit card number and complete name of course.

In other words, while knowledge of only a person’s birthday isn’t enough to successfully pull off identity theft, it’s nevertheless a crucial piece of information. You can let everyone know when your birthday is, if only to get some freebies on that special day, but I suggest being more discreet with your birth year. Why make it easier for identity thieves?

I’m pretty sure keeping your birth year secret won’t be a problem for many women. they’re pretty good at hiding their age!

And by the way, to those who’ve sent well wishes and greetings, thanks!