Summary of the Article
1. In rare cases, the SSA might accidentally assign the same SSN to multiple people. The SSA will consider a change if sharing similar names and SSNs causes issues with legal status or tax records.
2. A social security number (SSN) is a unique identifying number associated with U.S. citizens and other residents. It has been around since the establishment of the Social Security Administration in 1935.
3. Yes, everyone’s Social Security number is different. The first three digits are assigned by the geographical region where the person obtained the number.
4. If your legal name does not match the name on your Social Security record, it could lead to problems with earnings crediting and tax return processing.
5. Using someone else’s SSN with your name is not advisable as it is a federal crime and can result in severe penalties, including jail time and deportation.
6. Identity theft is a growing crime, and someone with your SSN can use it to obtain additional personal information and apply for credit in your name.
7. The last four digits of an SSN, known as the serial numbers, are unique to individuals and are handed out in chronological order within each area and group number.
8. Finally, the last four digits of an SSN form the “serial number.”
Questions and Answers
- Can two people have the same SSN?
In rare cases, the SSA might accidentally assign the same SSN to multiple people. Issues with sequential numbers assigned to the same family. The SSA will also consider a change if you and another family member share similar names and SSNs and it’s causing issues with your legal status or tax records. - Is your Social Security number unique to you?
A social security number, or SSN, is a unique identifying number associated with U.S. citizens and other residents in the country. It’s been around since 1936, about the time that the Social Security Administration was established (1935) to provide us with retirement and disability benefits. - Is everyone’s Social Security number different?
Yes. Originally, the first three digits are assigned by the geographical region in which the person was residing at the time he/she obtained a number. Generally, numbers were assigned beginning in the northeast and moving westward. - Does your SSN have to match your name?
If your legal name does not match the name on your Social Security record, it could prevent the agency from crediting earnings to you or cause delays in processing your tax return. - Can I use someone else’s SSN with my name?
While there are many reasons people may do this, it is not a good idea. Using someone else’s SSN is a federal crime and could result in up to 15 years in jail. It could prevent you from obtaining legal status or cause you to be deported. - Can someone use someone else’s Social Security number?
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. 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. - Can two people have the same last 4 of SSN?
The last four digits (serial numbers) run consecutively from 0001 through 9999, are unique to an individual and are handed out in chronological order within each area and group number. So if two neighbors apply for a SSN in the same year, the first five digits of both numbers will be identical. - Are the last 4 digits of your SSN unique?
Finally, the last four numbers form together to comprise the “serial number.”
Can two people have the same SSN
In rare cases, the SSA might accidentally assign the same SSN to multiple people. Issues with sequential numbers assigned to the same family. The SSA will also consider a change if you and another family member share similar names and SSNs and it's causing issues with your legal status or tax records.
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Is your Social Security number unique to you
A social security number, or SSN, is a unique identifying number associated with U.S. citizens and other residents in the country. It's been around since 1936, about the time that the Social Security Administration was established (1935) to provide us with retirement and disability benefits.
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Is everyone’s Social Security number different
A: Yes. Originally, the first three digits are assigned by the geographical region in which the person was residing at the time he/she obtained a number. Generally, numbers were assigned beginning in the northeast and moving westward.
Does your SSN have to match your name
If your legal name does not match the name on your Social Security record, it could prevent the agency from crediting earnings to you or cause delays in processing your tax return.
Can I use someone else’s SSN with my name
While there are many reasons people may do this, it is not a good idea. Using someone else's SSN is a federal crime and could result in up to 15 years in jail. It could prevent you from obtaining legal status or cause you to be deported.
Can someone use someone else’s Social Security number
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. 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.
Can two people have the same last 4 of SSN
The last four digits (serial numbers) run consecutively from 0001 through 9999, are unique to an individual and are handed out in chronological order within each area and group number. So if two neighbors apply for a SSN in the same year, the first five digits of both numbers will be identical.
Are the last 4 digits of your SSN unique
Finally, the last four numbers form together to comprise the “serial number.” This is more specific as it ranges from 0001 to 9999. And, unlike the previous two groups of numbers, these numbers actually are quite unique and random.
What do the first 3 digits of SSN mean
Since 1973, social security numbers have been issued by our central office. 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.
Can your Social Security number ever change
We can assign a different number only if: Sequential numbers assigned to members of the same family are causing problems. More than one person is assigned or using the same number.
Can I use someone else’s SSN
Using someone else's SSN is a federal crime and could result in up to 15 years in jail. It could prevent you from obtaining legal status or cause you to be deported.
What happens if my name doesn t match my Social Security card
If the information you give DMV does not match SSA's database, you will not be issued a DL/ID card. You will receive a Request for Verification of Information letter from DMV informing you that the information you provided (name, birth date, and/or SSN) does not match SSA's records.
How much do SSN sell for
A separate Experian estimate from 2017 has driver's licenses selling for $20 while, surprisingly, Social Security numbers can sell for as little as $1. Shopping logins range from $15.34 for Macy's Inc to $1.56 for Wayfair Inc and FreshDirect.
What can you do with someone’s Social Security number
What Can Someone Do with Your Social Security NumberObtain a credit card or loan in your name.Open a bank account in your name.Empty your bank account.Get a fraudulent driver's license.Receive medical care using your benefits.Open a phone account.Commit crimes that will be on your record.
What can you do with someone else’s SSN
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 you know if your SSN is being used
Check Your Credit Report.
If someone has used your SSN to apply for a credit card or a loan or open other accounts in your name, your credit report is the first place the activity can appear.
Are the last four digits of a SSN unique
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.
How many times can you get a new SSN
There are limits on the number of replacement social security number cards we will issue to you. You may receive no more than three replacement social security number cards in a year and ten replacement social security number cards per lifetime.
Can two people have the same last 4 SSN
However, the probability of having the same last 4 digits of the Social Security Number as someone else is far higher than one would expect: Out of 119 people, there is a 50% chance that two of them will have the same last 4 digits in their SSN.
How are the first 3 digits of your Social Security number determined
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.
What does the last 4 digits of SSN tell you
The SSN Numbering Scheme
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 do the 2 middle numbers of SSN mean
group numbers
The group numbers are the two middle numbers of a social security number. These numbers do not represent the geographical region, but they do represent the order in which a number was issued for a particular region.
How often can you change your SSN
You may receive no more than three replacement social security number cards in a year and ten replacement social security number cards per lifetime. We may allow for reasonable exceptions to these limits on a case-by-case basis in compelling circumstances.
Does your Social Security number tell when you were born
The serial number ranges from 0001 to 9999 and is assigned consecutively within each group number. As you can see, your social security number does not expressly say anything about you.
What happens if you use someone’s SSN
1. Financial identity theft. An identity thief can use your SSN together with your PII to open new bank accounts or access existing ones, take out credit cards, and apply for loans all in your name.
