How does a private company knows if a social security card belongs to a person applying for a job?

Question

How much data will the SS office give you about an applicant? Full name, gender and date of birth? If so should this be considered a privacy or disclosure issue?

Answer 1

When an employer asks for your social security card they're doing so to complete a government document called an I-9. Many other forms of identification can be obtained to complete this document such as a birth certificate or a passport. For non US citizens the list of forms goes on and on.

An I-9 is only to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States. The information they record of a social security card is only the social security #. If you present a social security card they will also ask you for a government issued picture ID such as a drivers license or military ID card. The employer actually records more information off of this document then they do off of your social security card.

Keep in mind the reason employers fill out this form is because they're obligated to do so in order to compliant with laws set to safeguard citizens from "illegal aliens". Your employer is also required to keep this information in a safe place where only specific representative can access the information.

I would not worry about it after that point. Not much is done with it beside filled for about 4 years depending on the state. It is a requirement and their is no way around it as an employer or employee/applicant.

Social Security numbers are also obtained to conduct criminal background checks and credit checks (only if it applies to the position) which has become a standard with most employers. However, most times these checks can be done without a SS#.

Good question though- I think that the US could do more to ensure the safety of individuals identity. identity theft has become a big issue in the United States.

Answer 2

She needs to first check to make sure she did not list the wrong number. She might have switched around two different numbers by accident. Then if that number is correct she should get what ever statement that person has that stated it belong to a dead person. Does she has the original card? Was she told by her parents that this was her number and never got the orginal card? Maybe her parents have the incorrect number. Has someone stolen her id and used it in other places? The only thing she can do is to take all these question to the social security office. She most likely will need a picture identification and have to fill out paperwork. She will need to know where she was born- her parent's name and their birth place, etc. This can be a very serious problem or it could be a clerical error somewhere. I know when I think serious problem I think of items like you see on television- for instance illegal immegrants buying false numbers, witness hiding, someone wanting to start over and buys false identification, etc. I know that this can be a very serious problem, but it also could be just an error. I know one year I accident switched two numbers around when enrolled in school. Mistakes can happen. Your friend might just have a mistake. If she finds out that she has the correct number and that the report she has is also correct she might be a victom of stolen identification and this will be a police matter. If she has her original social security card and has the report from the place she went for a job she should take that to the police right away.

Answer 3

This is not a disclosure or privacy issue - I am sure you signed a disclosure agreement with the company allowing them to look up and verify these details....if your numbers do not match up then your payroll will not go through and you won't get paid...so whats the point?

Answer 4

If you are considering using a fake or someone else's Social Security card to get a job, don't do it. They will know immediately because when they put your number and address in payroll it won't match up to you. You can do serious jail time for identity theft, or being an illegal who shouldn't be working without proper ID.

Answer 5

Verification of a Soc. Sec. is usually done through a background check. I have to obtain a signature from the applicant on a document that says they understand they are having this verification, criminal, civil background check.