A Social Security number trace is a search to identify addresses and other pertinent information associated with a specific Social Security number (SSN).
A Social Security number trace makes use of “credit header” information, the non-confidential top portion of an individual’s credit history. While actual credit reports are protected by privacy laws requiring a release from any subject on whom we report, this portion of the information is available to us, and, ultimately, to you. Each time a person uses a Social Security number (applies for a job, applies for loans, rents an apartment, etc.), the address associated with each transaction is tracked and becomes part of an address history. That can be very valuable in determining where and how far back record searches should be conducted, by establishing the jurisdictions and time frames in which a subject resided or, in some instances, worked.
The first three digits of any number (123-XX-XXXX) issued by the Social Security Administration identify the specific state where it was issued. For example, Social Security numbers with the first three digits in the 001 to 003 range were issued in New Hampshire. If an individual claims to have had a Social Security number issued in New Hampshire, but the Social Security number is 766-XX-XXXX, dishonesty is indicated.
A Social Security number trace also identifies the SSN’s year of issuance. This can be very useful in determining whether an individual is likely using a false Social Security number or one actually issued to a different individual. For example, if a Social Security number trace is run on the SSN of a twenty-two year old individual, and the trace reveals the SSN was issued in 1945, fraud is likely. At that point, we would recommend Social Security Number Verification Service.
Other useful information that can be obtained from a SSN trace include other names associated with the SSN (i.e. Aliases used by the subject, such as Bob Smith instead of Robert Smith), as well as other individuals associated with the SSN. This is extremely useful in determining whether someone’s identity has been compromised or stolen and whether any other individuals are fraudulently using the same Social Security number. Names of additional family members often surface, too.