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.
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What is the most misused Social Security number?

078-05-1120. That's the most used – or misused – Social Security number in history, and it belonged to a woman from Lockport. The federal government originally issued that number to Hilda Schrader Whitcher in the 1930s. But over the next four decades more than 40,000 people mistakenly claimed it for themselves.
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Who had the number 1 social security number?

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.
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Can SSN be misused?

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.
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What is the last 4 digits of SSN?

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.
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STOLEN Social Security Number? | This is What REALLY Happens



Who was the first president to dip into Social Security?

Which political party started taxing Social Security annuities? A3. The taxation of Social Security began in 1984 following passage of a set of Amendments in 1983, which were signed into law by President Reagan in April 1983.
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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.
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How do criminals use SSN?

Below are four common things criminals do when they steal your SSN.
  1. Open new accounts. If someone has your SSN, they can open new accounts in your name. ...
  2. File fraudulent tax returns. Your Social Security number is also used to file your taxes in most cases. ...
  3. Obtain medical care. ...
  4. Steal your benefits. ...
  5. Commit crimes.
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How can I use my SSN to get money?

They can use your SSN to open a bank account in your name.

That means that anyone with your SSN can easily open a bank account in your name, especially if the identity thief already obtained a driver's license in your name.
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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.
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What is a dummy SSN?

Incorrect SSN – an SSN that was not assigned to the individual as a pseudo SSN and is not a valid SSN assigned to the individual by the SSA. Pseudo SSNs. Individuals are not required to provide their SSN in order to receive employment or training services, unless they are UI or TAA recipients.
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Do Amish have Social Security numbers?

Amish people do not have birth certificates or social security cards. This is because Amish babies are born at home and within the Amish community so they see no need for either of these documents.
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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.
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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.
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How many Social Security numbers have been stolen?

Jay Jacobs, lead data scientist at Verizon for the breach report, is a foremost expert who has been slicing and dicing this data for years. He estimates 60 percent to 80 percent of Social Security numbers have been stolen by hackers.
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How many SS numbers are there?

There are approximately 420 million numbers available for assignment. However, the previous SSN assignment process limited the number of SSNs available for issuance to individuals by each state. Changing the assignment methodology extended the longevity of the nine digit SSN in all states.
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How much can I sell a SSN for?

Basic stolen identity information on a US citizen, which only includes the Social Security number, full name and birth date, can range from $1 to $8 per person. But in some cases, hackers will package the offering with the victim's stolen credit card information, and charge from $20 to $75.
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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.
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What do I do if my SSN is on the dark web?

What To Do If Your Social Security Number Is on the Dark Web
  1. Place a Freeze on Your Credit Report. ...
  2. Monitor Your Credit Cards Religiously. ...
  3. Set Up Alerts on All of Your Credit Accounts. ...
  4. Get Your Free Credit Reports Regularly. ...
  5. Keep an Eye on Your 'my Social Security' Account. ...
  6. Report Any Fraudulent Activity.
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What happens if I accidentally give out my Social Security number?

You may reach the FTC's identity theft hotline toll free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or visit their website at www.ftc.gov/idtheft. Additional Resources: Protecting Your Social Security Number from Identity Theft.
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Can you put a freeze on your 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.
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What can be done with 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.
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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. Prior to 1973, social security numbers were assigned by our field offices.
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Do Social Security numbers get reused after death?

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.
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Can a SSN begin with 8?

An area number in the 800 series is bogus, so any SSN beginning with an "8" is invalid. An area number of "000" is also invalid. Group Numbers The group number is not related to geography but rather to the order in which SSNs are issued for a particular area.
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