Is it legal to ask for the last four digits of SSN?

Only a few organizations have a legal right to your Social — your employer, banks and lenders, investment funds, the IRS and government-funded programs such as workers’ compensation. When asked by others, just say no. The more your number is out there, the greater the risk of identity theft. Guard the Final Four.

What can be done with last 4 digits of SSN?

As long as a hacker or scammer has access to other personal information such as your name and address, they can use the last four digits of your SSN (in most cases) to open accounts in your name, steal your money and government benefits, or even get healthcare and tax refunds in your name.

Who can legally ask for your Social Security number?

There is no law that prevents businesses from asking for your SSN. And you may be denied service if you don’t give the number. If giving your SSN to a business doesn’t seem reasonable to you, ask if you can show another form of identification.

Can 2 people have the same last 4 digits of Social?

No you can’t be identified by the last 4 digits of the SSN.

Is it OK to give last 4 digits of SSN to recruiters?

In some cases they may need the last 4 – 5 digits of your social security number to submit you but not the full number. Never give a recruiter your full social security number before you have had an interview with a company. If needed it wouldn’t be until late in the process.

Why do they ask for the last 4 digits of SSN?

The last 4 digits of an SSNare important because if they’re in the wrong hands, they might lead to identity theft and you might get in trouble due to someone else’s actions. It’s important to protect these digits and make sure they do not end up in the wrong hands.

Is it illegal to give out someone’s Social Security number?

It is against the law to use someone else’s Social Security number or to give false information when applying for a number. Also, it is illegal to alter, buy, or sell Social Security cards.

Can someone steal your identity with the last four of your social?

It’s only the last four digits that separate you from other Americans. The Social Security Administration didn’t switch to random number assignments until 2011, meaning a fraudster can steal your identity using your state, date of birth, and the last four digits.

What is a 900 Social Security number?

AREA numbers 900-999 (no longer valid SSNs, but were used briefly for program purposes when state aid to the aged, blind and disabled was converted to a federal program administered by SSA)

Why do companies ask for the last 4 digits of SSN?

Some companies will ask for the last four digits of your Social Security number in order to identify you. However, it is in your best interest to be careful with whom you share this number. MANAGING YOUR MONEY

Do companies still use the last 4 digits of Your Number?

But sometimes companies still try to use the last four digits of our Social Security numbers as identifiers or to verify identity in some way. The use of Social Security numbers began in 1936 long before computers, the internet, and identity theft were on anyone’s radar screen.

How many social security numbers have been issued?

The middle two numbers represent a group number (01-99) so the middle two digits and the last four digits are random. To date, more than 453.7 million Social Security numbers have been issued by the federal government. For more information on the history of Social Security, see https://www.ssa.gov/history/hfaq.html.

Can I use a different social security number for personal identification?

You usually can use a different number as an account number or personal identification number, though. All that you have to do is ask. Given that there are other four digit numbers that you should be able to remember, using your Social Security number’s last four digits as rarely as possible is the best choice.