Social Security Number Trace
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. Each time a person uses their 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 their address history. That address history is invaluable in determining where and how far back record searches should be conducted, by establishing the jurisdictions and time frame in which the subject resided or, in some instances, worked.
A Social Security number trace also identifies the Social Security number’s state of issuance. The first three digits of any Social Security number (123-XX-XXXX) issued by the Social Security Administration identify the specific state where the Social Security number was issued. For example, Social Security numbers where the first three digits are in the 001 to 003 range were issued in New Hampshire. If an individual claims to have had their Social Security number issued in New Hampshire, but their Social Security number is 766-XX-XXXX, it highly likely they are not being honest; Social Security numbers beginning in 766 are only issued in Florida, and never in New Hampshire.
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 an SSN issued to another 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 that the SSN was issued in 1945, it is highly likely the Social Security Administration did not issue that SSN to the twenty-two year old. At that point, we would recommend Social Security number verification.
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.
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