What could someone possibly do if they had my social security number?

Question

I mean, aren't the only things that require a social like banks and credit cards? and even then wouldn't you need a pin# to accompany it?

Answer 1

they could research ur credit history . they could concievably try to get some things in ur name but in reality thats not all too common and its more of an urban legend and hysteria ... and they would be setting themselves up to get busted ... i wouldnt worry too much really ....

Answer 2

According to law the only time a social security number is REQUIRED is for employment, banking, tax, government issued IDs/passports, and anything to do with the Social Security Administration.

Many companies will ASK for the number and say they require it. You do not have to give it. In fact it actually might be better to invent one (research the codes at the Social Security site though so you don't accidentally use one which has actually been issued to another person)

I NEVER give my actual number to entities like: Utilities, Phone company, or any merchants. These entities are not permitted access to the Social Security Administration for purposes of verifying your number either. So if they should happen to come back and say the number doesn't match your name, it's a federal charge against them. I've never had one even question it though.

I also was once the victim of identity theft. And although the perpetrator merely opened a bank account in my name and there was no evidence of fraud, there easily could have been.

Answer 3

With *just* your SSN, and no ability to represent themselves as you (such as, say, forged ID with their picture but your name,) they are limited, in the short term, to opening bank accounts or working jobs in their own (or with ID-verifiable) names, and having the income associated with your IRS account. So their earnings would affect your tax bracket, for instance.

Social Security numbers, in and of themselves, are not that useful (unless you can impersonate the associated person) because anyone can make up an existing, valid SSN. There is very little embedded error-checking. It even sometimes happens by accident when filling in forms.

Answer 4

Your SSN is all someone needs to open a credit card account using your credit history.

I open a cc account using your name and SSN, but it is addressed to you at my address. I spend it up to the max pretending to be you and never pay a dime in payments. Your credit record gets trashed.

Answer 5

your identity can be stolen. all your personal info can be obtained and even if its "only" a credit card that is a huge problem when encountered. its extremely hard to get it taken care of. i am still fighting to get a dui taken off my record from someone who got my licence number 6 years ago. even tho that person was caught and convicted. i still can't get it removed. my insurance is up. uggg. my dmv points are up. gaurd those numbers they are your life.

Answer 6

A person with your social security number, birth certificate, no moral objections, and ill will, they could become you, take over your life, ruin every paper trail that is attached to your history, if their intents are malicious......they could put your entire life into shambles.

Answer 7

Start applying for credit, get a copy of your birth certificate, get a drivers license with your name on it, buy a vehicle, get insurance, empty your bank account.....
write checks under an account in your name with no funds to cover them.

Answer 8

Within an hour your complete Identity will be stolen.

Go to the FTC website and read about it. You can't get enough accurate information here to convince you to protect your SSAN and other information. Trust me, you will regret not protecting your private information.

http://www.ftc.gov/

Answer 9

it's called identity theft, they could basically destroy your life