Social Security FAQ - frequently asked questions

Find a Person using Social Security number -Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ page was compiled with reference to the official government source: Social Security Online (The Social Security Administration's Web site provides information about Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance Benefits, and Supplemental Security Income. The site also provides wage reporting information for employers.) Also see Social Security Death Index SSDI and web-based SEARCH tools. Another resource is: www.social security.gov service.

Question: How is The Government protecting our Social Security numbers?

Answer: In the wake of September 11th and with the ongoing problem of identity theft, people who apply for a new Social Security number must now furnish at least two documents to establish their age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or lawful noncitizen status. And now Social Security must verify the birth record for all U.S.-born applicants age one and older.

Question: Can non-US Citizens obtain SS numbers?

Answer: The SSA no longer assigns Social Security numbers and issues cards to noncitizens for the sole purpose of applying for driver's licenses. This change makes Social Security numbers less accessible to people who may use the numbers for fraudulent purposes. The SSA will continue to assign numbers to noncitizens who have INS permission to work. (People who have been thoroughly checked out by Immigration.)

*Question: Is there a simple, low cost way to lookup Social Security numbers?

Answer: Yes. There is a web-based tool that online investigators use to find SSNs and a person's last known address. The web site for download is here: Net Detective This tool has received the full endorsement of The National Association of Independent Private Investigators - NAIPI in the United States.

Question: Can this tool give me access to other U.S. Public Records?

Answer: Yes. Court and Criminal Records, across 50 States, Adoption, Motor Vehicles, 'how to read your FBI file,' and more. Also see this one: free credit report

Question: How are Social Security numbers used?

Answer: There are two difficulties with the way SSNs are used these days. The first is that they are used (by different organizations, including hospitals, banks, share brokerages, driving licence authorities, universities, schools, etc.) as if they were both a representation of identity and a secure password-(some banks). The second problem is that they have become a widely used identifier which can be used to tie multiple records together about a single individual. In this Age of Information, they are used to integrate various Government departmental databases; thus issues arise about control, privacy, civil rights and freedom. Given the pressing present need for increased levels of National security, it is reasonable that some degree of individual freedom be sacrificed to ensure stricter Immigration control and general security. The SSN has become a de facto identity card in the United States of America, though that was not the original intention.

Last updated: September 24, 2006 4:07 PM