Are Social Security numbers public record?

SSNs are most often to be found in state and local court records and in local property ownership records, but they are also scattered throughout a variety of other government records. In general, federal agency display of SSNs in public records is prohibited under the Privacy Act of 1974.

Can you look up anyone's Social Security number?

One way to look up a person's SSN information is through the United States Social Security Administration. On their website, you can conduct up to ten social security number searches each and every day. It is a free service, provided by the United States government.

Are Social Security numbers publicly available?

It is true that SSNs are widely available. They have been found in public records of federal agencies, states, counties, courts, hospitals, and so forth [The President's Identity Theft Task Force, 2007], as well as in personal documents, such as online resumes [Sweeney, 2006].

What can you see with someone's SSN?

Once someone has your Social Security number, they can essentially become you. They may be able to collect tax refunds, collect benefits and income, commit crimes, make purchases, set up phone numbers and websites, establish residences, and use health insurance—all in your name.

Can someone steal your identity with the last four of your social?

As long as a hacker or scammer has access to other personal information such as your name and address, they can use the last four digits of your SSN (in most cases) to open accounts in your name, steal your money and government benefits, or even get healthcare and tax refunds in your name.

Social Security Numbers Posted As Public Record

Is your Social Security number linked to a Federal Reserve bank account?

Social Security number not linked to account

The Fed's site states: "A recent hoax circulating on the internet asserts that the Federal Reserve maintains accounts for individuals that are tied to the individual's Social Security number, and that individuals can access these accounts to pay bills and obtain money.

What do the first 3 digits of your Social Security mean?

The first three (3) digits of a person's social security number are determined by the ZIP Code of the mailing address shown on the application for a social security number.

What does the first 3 numbers of your Social mean?

The nine-digit SSN is composed of three parts: The first set of three digits is called the Area Number. The second set of two digits is called the Group Number. The final set of four digits is the Serial Number.

Can you look up SSN online?

The Social Security Administration offers a free online tool that allows users to verify the SSN of current or former employees.

Can I find my SSN online?

You will need to have a My Social Security account to access your SSN online. If you have not already signed up for an account, then you will not be able to get one until you find your number using another method.

How do I look up my child's Social Security number?

If you had your child as a dependent on a previous tax return, you can find their SS number there. Otherwise, you need to Contact the Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov.

What do the last 4 digits of SSN mean?

The last four digits of the SSN are the serial number. The serial number represents a straight numerical series of numbers from 0001–9999 within each group. Serial number 0000 is not assigned.

Can someone have the same last 4 digits of SSN?

Only the last four digits of your Social Security number are truly random and unique. The first five numbers represent when and where your Social Security card was issued. Scammers can figure out the first five numbers by determining your birth date and hometown.

Does social security number tell your age?

The Serial Number, itself, doesn't say anything about your location or age that the Group Number and Area Number don't already say, although since they are assigned consecutively, they could potentially reveal your relative age within a Group and an Area.

Who has Social Security number 1?

This particular record, (055-09-0001) belonged to John D. Sweeney, Jr., age 23, of New Rochelle, New York. The next day, newspapers around the country announced that Sweeney had been issued the first SSN.

Do Social Security numbers get reused?

To date, 453.7 million different numbers have been issued. Q20: Are Social Security numbers reused after a person dies? A: No. We do not reassign a Social Security number (SSN) after the number holder's death.

What does it mean when your Social Security number starts with a 9?

The Social Security Administration does not issue SSNs beginning with the number 9. Numbers beginning with a “9” may be a Social Security Administration issued Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the IRS that has 9 digits beginning with the number 9.

Who owns your social security number?

§ 405(c)(2). The number is issued to an individual by the Social Security Administration, an independent agency of the United States government.

How much is your Social Security number worth?

The company found that buyers are currently willing to pay just $1 for a Social Security number, which is the same amount they'll pay for user and password information to Brazzers, a pornographic website.

Can I borrow money from my Social Security?

No, you cannot borrow from your current or future Social Security. Through the years, there have been talks about allowing the option for loans from Social Security. However, the system was never designed to allow such a thing. Social Security was established in 1935 by Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Can you change your SSN?

You can't change your Social Security number simply because your card has been lost or stolen, or to avoid bankruptcy or legitimate debts. The only other reasons Social Security will consider assigning a new number are: Sequential numbers assigned to members of your family are causing confusion.

Can I put a freeze on my Social Security number?

Freezing Your Social Security Number

First, you'll need to create an account on E-Verify, which is managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Once you do, follow the prompts to freeze your SSN. Then, file a police report. Immediately after freezing, contact the authorities.

What to do if you think your SSN has been compromised?

If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).

Can two people have the same Social Security number?

Although the SSN card is not considered an identity document (because it does not display identifying information about you), SSA uses your SSN to differentiate you from other SSN card holders. Many people have the same name, but each person has his or her own SSN. Your SSN allows your earnings to be credited to you.