What does your social security number tell about you?

Many businesses ask for your SSN because it is a convenient way to identify you in their system. As a result, your social security number can now reveal all kinds of information about you, including places you've lived, your credit history, and maybe even medical conditions.

Does your social security number tell people 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.

What do the first 3 numbers of your SSN 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. Prior to 1973, social security numbers were assigned by our field offices.

Do the numbers in your social security number mean anything?

The first set of three digits was the Area Number, and originally represented the state in which a person first applied for a Social Security card. The numbers started in the northeast and moved westward, so that northeasterners had the lowest numbers, and people in the West Coast had the highest ones [source: SSA].

What do the first 5 digits of SSN mean?

Number Has 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.

What Your Social Security Number Means

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.

What can someone do with the last 4 digits of your SSN?

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.

Can someone have the same last 4 digits of SSN?

Out of 119 people, there is a 50% chance that two of them will have the same last 4 digits in their SSN. Out of 180 people, there is a 80% chance that two of them will have the same last 4 digits in their SSN.

How much is a social security number worth?

A 2016 report found that Dark Web shoppers are only willing to pay $1 for a Social Security number, which is the same amount they'll shell out for username and password information to Brazzers.

Can I change my 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.

What if my SSN is on the dark web?

Place a Freeze on Your Credit Report

If your Social Security number is on the dark web, this means that unscrupulous people can use it to open new credit cards and other financial accounts in your name. One way to prevent this from happening is to put a freeze on your credit report.

How do I decode my Social Security number?

Decode Social Security Number. The nine-digit Social Security Number is broken into 3 parts - the Area, Group, and Series. The Area number is the first three digits of a Social Security Number, the Group number is the middle two digits and the Series number is the final four digits.

Can I use my SSN to buy things?

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. These claims are false.

What can I buy with my Social Security number?

In addition to Social Security, the SSN is now also used for a wide range of purposes. These include obtaining credit, opening a bank account, obtaining government benefits or private insurance, and buying a home or a car, among many other pursuits.

Does your Social Security number have a bank account?

Your Social Security Number is not connected to a bank account. The only relationship your Social Security payments may have to your own bank account is if you sign up for direct deposit of your benefits.

Can two people have the same Social Security number?

"Social Security numbers can be associated with multiple individuals, and that individuals can have multiple SSNs associated with them.

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 happens if I give my social security number to a scammer?

A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, when they use the credit cards and don't pay the bills, it damages your credit.

How do I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number?

If you believe someone is using your Social Security number to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes, contact the IRS online or call 1-800-908-4490. You can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).

How many SSN combinations are there?

Social Security Numbers are 9 digits long and usually formatted with two hyphens like "###-##-####." With 9 digits there are theoretically 1 billion combinations.

What was the most misused SSN?

The most misused SSN of all time was (078-05-1120). In 1938, wallet manufacturer the E. H. Ferree company in Lockport, New York decided to promote its product by showing how a Social Security card would fit into its wallets. A sample card, used for display purposes, was inserted in each wallet.

Does SSN expire?

Does an SSN expire? No. Once an SSN has been assigned it is an individual's unique number for the rest of his or her life in the United States.

Do Amish have Social Security numbers?

The Amish have a religious exemption from the Social Security system. They get Social Security numbers when they join the church, then file exemption forms, Mast said.

Who owns your Social Security number?

Your SSN is tied to Social Security Administration which is tied directly to the Federal Reserve System, which is privately owned by stock-holding banks, one of which is Barclay's, a Royal Britich Bank, as well as several American banks, which are also British owned and controlled.

How can I find out if someone is using my identity?