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IIRC, automated character recognition / word alerts in FAX transmissions has been built-in in Echelon since the 1970ies. FAX is as insecure as emails are, under certain threat models. Pretty sure this is mentioned in this nice crypto history overview: https://alternativlos.org/30/

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I am not concerned if the NSA knows my SSN.

Nothing to hide, I see. :)

I'd normally agree with you, but in the case of dealing with a mortgage broker who asks for stuff to be emailed/faxed and your entire concern is avoiding having your SSN end up where it shouldn't, I do believe this is rational.

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