lINDA58--..if you are making donations, and plan to (or do) claim your donations on your tax return, then you WOULD need to give your SSN# for the claims to be validated. Personally, tho I have donated via Paypal in the past, I prefer to give to my own local charities...then I know where my money goes. So that may be the reason you are being asked for your #. I only purchase on line, and allow Paypal to draft my bank acct for the amt., and I've never had them ask for my #. I admit it is a bit of a hassle to get your paypal acct set up, but worth the trouble IMHO..I Love the option, and totally trust them.