A Social Security number is a unique nine-digit identifier that helps track each person in the US. It’s required to work legally and apply for government benefits.
It’s important to protect your SSN for sale and avoid giving it out to strangers. One way to do this is to shred documents before throwing them away.
1. You want to get a job
A fake Social Security number can be used to steal someone’s money or identity. Many people don’t realize their number has been compromised until they apply for credit or try to find work and are rejected.
WGAL reports that scammers are calling and claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. They claim your Social Security number has been suspended because of criminal activity (usually in Texas) or that you’re involved in an ongoing fraud case.
Employers are not required to ask for a candidate’s Social Security number on an employment application. However, they may need it to complete a background check or run a credit report. If they do, they must keep it confidential.
2. You want to get a loan
A fake Social Security number can lead to serious problems, including identity theft. Fortunately, there are ways to protect your Social Security number and report fraud. The first step is to contact the company where your Social Security number was used. They will likely have a fraud department that you can speak with directly.
You should also be careful to shred any documents that contain your SSN. This will help prevent fraudsters from going through your trash to steal your information. Also, watch out for phishing emails and text messages that ask you to verify your SSN. These are often scams.
3. You want to get a credit card
A Social Security number can be stolen and used to open bank accounts, obtain credit cards and loans, and even commit serious crimes. Luckily, there are some ways to find out if your SSN has been stolen and to protect yourself.
Scammers often pose as government officials to steal personal information or money. For example, the SSA Office of Inspector General has warned of a fake letter that claims your Social Security number is being suspended. The fake letter looks very similar to official SSA letters, and it asks for money to reactivate your number or get a new one. You should never give out your Social Security number to anyone unless you have signed consent.
4. You want to get a mortgage
A Social Security number is a unique nine-digit number issued to individuals by the government. These numbers are used for identification purposes and follow certain official conventions. They are also used to verify identity in credit and loan applications.
Scammers use phishing techniques to steal Social Security numbers. They will send emails, text messages, or phone calls that look legitimate. They will also use spoofed websites to collect personal information. They will then sell this information to identity thieves or other fraudulent groups.
The Federal Trade Commission has received reports of people pretending to be from the Social Security Administration. They will call you and say that your Social Security number has been linked to criminal activity and suspended. The caller will ask you to pay a fee to reactivate it or get a new number.
5. You want to get a driver’s license
Your social security number is a key piece of personal information. It’s required to open financial accounts, apply for loans and unemployment benefits, and even get a driver’s license. It’s also used as an identification number for many government documents, including passports.
It’s important to understand how a social security number works and the risks of using a fake one. Since 1936, the United States government has assigned each citizen a unique nine-digit number that’s tied to their name and other personal information. Social security numbers are now random streams of digits, but they once had specific meaning.
Be wary of anyone who asks for your Social Security number without a good reason. You can refuse to give it to them, but that may affect your ability to do business with them.
6. You want to get a passport
Using a fake Social Security number is illegal. It can lead to identity theft and other serious crimes. Identity thieves can use your SSN to steal your credit history, academic records, and professional degrees. They can also get loans and credit cards in your name.
Fraudsters often steal SSNs from phishing emails and texts that trick people into sharing their information. They can also dig through trash to find SSNs that have been thrown away. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has warned about a new Social Security scam that involves a fake letter claiming your number is suspended. These letters closely resemble official SSA and OIG letterhead.
7. You want to get a social security card replacement
Your Social Security number is one of the most important numbers you have. It’s used to open financial accounts, get loans, and apply for unemployment assistance. It’s also needed to get a driver’s license and passport.
You should only give out your Social Security number when it’s necessary and if you trust the entity asking for it. If you receive a robocall from someone claiming your SSN has been linked to criminal activity and suspended, don’t believe them.
The Social Security Administration will very rarely allow you to change your Social Security number. Doing so could cause you to lose credit history, academic records, and professional degrees. In addition, it can make it difficult to file taxes and work legally in the future.
8. You want to get a credit card
Kiplinger ran a list of the worst places to give out your Social Security number, and the top spot was any college. Colleges ask for Social Security numbers for student ID, and they do a mediocre-to-terrible job of keeping the data secure. Medical businesses also make the list, as does any insurance company, and they are notorious for making it difficult to keep your Social Security number private.
Conclusion
If you use someone else’s real Social Security number in order to get a credit card, you’ve committed fraud, and that can be a crime. It could even land you in jail. Every Social Security number belongs to a real person who applied for it or was assigned it at birth.
