can you be a fraud victim if you give the last four of your social only?

Answer 1

You can be a fraud victim if you don't give them any of your ssan. By giving up 4 digits, you are giving up 4/9 of the total code. Most perps aren't going to expend the time to crack the code, they will want the whole mary ann.

Answer 2

No matter what -- there is a chance of being a Victim of Identity Theft or Fraud even if you do NOT provide any part of your SSN -- but with giving the last 4 digits, you have given them 4/9ths of the number already.

Answer 3

It's not as easy, but if the person has more information on you, then can easliy gain access to your information. If they like to dig through your trash, etc. Just always be sure you shred your documents and use secure websites when online. Never give your card number on a cell phone, be sure it's a secured line. A lot of places, like where I work, I'm a fraud monitor, to verify your identity we like to verfiy the last 4 digits, but if you EVER feel uncomfortable with that there will always be another way to verify. Address usually.

Answer 4

Yes, anything is possible. The more pieces of info someone has, it can be tied together to get more, and possibly many other private details.

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A WORD OF CAUTION
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I am very sensitive about my personal info and in fact, I am pretty hardcore about any personal info too. I NEVER give my Social Security to anyone unless:

--It is your employer, for IRS purposes
--It is your bank, for IRS purposes
--You are applying for credit or dealing with credit bureau
--You are dealing with the government

I hope I didn't forget anyone important, but who else really NEEDS it to actually perform a function? Everybody asks for this and no one really needs it. It is just one more piece of personal info that can be collected and matched up with your name and other info for who knows what purposes. It is nobody's business. Places that may ask:

--Doctors office--they do not need this. Most of the time they are really asking for your med insurance #, which has typically been the SS # in the past. Do not provide it. If you med insurance # is the same as your SS#, refer to it as your health insurance #, not your SS#.

--Health Fair Screenings--Why?

--Businesses--May ask you to write this on a check or provide with your credit card, or fill out on an application. Always leave blank, if they insist, refuse for privacy + personal security reasons.

--Random job applications (or any, really)--A PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER does not need this unless you agree to a background or credit check.

Otherwise, they just need to know that "you are authorized to work in the US". If you are offered and accept a job, they do need it.

--ID Cards--Many places that use ID cards will just take you SS# and make it your ID # or ask for it for this purpose. Insurance companies do this all the time, and then print a big card to share the info with everyone. Why is that necessary? You can always request a system generated, or alternate ID #.

I don't think I have ever been refused an alternate #. In some cases, where it has been an exceptionally stupid company policy to use this as an identifier, I will formally write on behalf of everyone citing the personal security and privacy. Those companies that said it was "coming next year" or "in the future we wil have that capability" must have been letting it slide because they quickly get into gear and change the IDs for all users within a few months.

--I don't let anybody make copies either. If it is needed for ID purposes, all that is really necessary is to show it to the person along with other corroborating info. The places it exists, the more exposure and chances to be taken.

In cases of the ID and doctor or anyone else that tries to use or record this somewhere as an Identifier, you can always request an alternate. If they give you a problem, call the customer service or corporate offices for more help. A majority of ID thefts are "inside jobs". Anyone in the entire company that has access to a desk where it is sitting, a fax machine where it is seen, or a file where it is stored can potentially get this and your other info, all together in a nice neat package. Many people that work for many companies do not treat your info as "private", or may not
even be aware that people do it or that it may be an issue in the workplace.

A few years back, a prominent law firm was moving. on moving day, they left hundreds of intact client files and folders in the dumpster and piled up ON THE STREET in front for trash...

Answer 5

Yes. Being a victim of fraud has nothing to do with whether you give out any info or not.

Answer 6

It is highly unlikely that only your last four digits of your SSN will allow anyone to take any of your information. For example, creditors require your full SSN (or Tax ID number) to open and maintain credit. However, if you've chosen to use the last four of your SSN as a bank account password or as secure login information to a site/organization with monetary links, I would suggest changing them.

Answer 7

Yes. One way to stop fraud from happening is to contact the three credit report bureaus and let them know that you do not want your credit information release to anyone without your consent.

You can also opt-out of pre-approved credit card invitations so there is few chances for fraudulent activities. https://www.optoutprescreen.com/opt_form.cgi Not to mention this also reduce a lot of junk mails.

It is always a good idea to check your credit report every year. You are allow to get one credit report from each bureau each year free of charge. Go to https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp

Answer 8

Yes, if whatever the person is signing up for only requires the last four digits.

Answer 9

I don't think so. But, if your worried about it, there are other things you can use for security verification such as your birthdate or a special password.