Is it illegal to give out someone else's Social Security number?
Asked by: Gust Ortiz | Last update: January 9, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (36 votes)
Depending on the circumstances, this can bring the full weight of the federal government upon you. For example, using someone else's Social Security number to open a bank account is classified as “aggravated identity theft” under federal law and can lead to substantial prison time.
Can I sue my employer for giving out my Social Security number?
Bringing a Lawsuit Against the Employer
As such, California employees who suffer privacy violations are entitled to file a civil lawsuit in an attempt to gain the following forms of compensation: Lost wages or back pay, in the event they quit or are fired from their job.
Is giving out someone's Social Security number illegal?
Generally it is legal to disclose someone else's SSN. But there are some things to consider, such as the reason for disclosing someone else's SSN. Your relationship with the other person can determine the legality, and the relationship between the other person and the entity seeking the SSN also comes into play.
What happens if you share someone's Social Security number?
If someone steals your Social Security number, they can use it to open bank accounts under your name, steal your benefits, file your tax return and commit other types of fraud.
Is it OK to give someone your Social Security number?
It's not safe to share your social security number with anyone unless you have verified their identity and have a legitimate reason to provide such sensitive information. Be cautious and prioritize your personal security.
STOLEN Social Security Number? | This is What REALLY Happens
Who should I not give my SSN to?
Most of the time, it's OK to say no to schools, doctor's offices, sports clubs and many other organizations that may ask for this nine-digit identifier. In fact, safeguarding SSNs is a key first step to protecting against identity theft and other fraud.
Is it safe to give Wise my Social Security number?
It's a completely secure, one-time only verification process that we have to do as part of how we're regulated in the US. We don't run a credit check or share your number.
How do I check if my SSN is being used?
- Check your credit reports. ...
- Review your mySocialSecurity account. ...
- Go through your junk mail. ...
- Be wary of calls from debt collectors. ...
- Review your bank statements.
Can two people share the same Social Security number?
There are millions of people who have SSNs, and some people think it is unique, but it is not, your number can match several people.
How much does it cost to lock your Social Security number?
There is NO COST to place or lift a security freeze. For more information, see detailed instructions entitled “Placing a Security Freeze on Your Credit Report to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft” below. 5. Review your credit reports carefully.
How much does it cost to change your Social Security number?
Social Security Number Services are Always Free.
What do I do if I gave my Social Security number to a scammer?
Contact any company or agency where your SSN was used
You'll need to clear your name anywhere that your SSN was fraudulently used. Here's what to do if a criminal used your SSN for: Tax fraud. Call 1-800-908-4490.
Can someone access your bank account with your Social Security number?
An identity thief can use your SSN together with your PII to open new bank accounts or access existing ones, take out credit cards, and apply for loans all in your name.
Can I refuse to give my SSN to my employer?
It was mentioned earlier but bears repeating: you have the right to refuse to supply your SSN, and no one can force you to give that information if you do not wish to provide it. However, declining to make your SSN available for a prospective employer may result in your application no longer being considered.
Can someone use your Social Security number with a different name?
If an attacker gets access to your Social Security number, they can impersonate you, especially if they also know your name, date of birth, or, worse yet, both. The damage an identity thief can do with this information is potentially limitless if you don't catch it in time.
Is it illegal to work under someone else's SSN?
Using someone else's SSN is a federal crime and could result in up to 15 years in jail.
Is it OK to share SSN?
An organization's collection and use of SSNs can increase the risk of identity theft and fraud. Each time an individual divulges his or her SSN, the potential for a thief to illegitimately gain access to bank accounts, credit cards, driving records, tax and employment histories and other private information increases.
What happens if someone else has my Social Security number?
Scammers use your Social Security number (SSN) to get other personal information about you. They can use your SSN and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, when they use the credit cards and don't pay the bills, it damages your credit.
Can I change my SSN?
The Social Security Administration does allow you to change your number, but only under limited circumstances, such as identity theft or if your safety is in danger. You will also need to supply appropriate documentation to support your application for a new number.
Can I look up someone by their Social Security number?
Even though SSNs are the most reliable identifier for an individual, they are not 100 percent dependable because some records may not contain a subject's SSN. Therefore, a record for an individual may not appear when searching using SSN only. Conducting a second search using Name and State provides additional coverage.
How long does SSN stay active?
Once an SSN has been assigned it is an individual's unique number for the rest of his or her life in the United States. However, the individual's work authorization may expire. The expiration of work authorization does not invalidate an SSN but it does mean the individual cannot continue to work until it is renewed.
What is the penalty for stealing Social Security checks?
If convicted, the penalties for violating a provision of the Social Security Act or a related law of the federal criminal code include a fine, prison, or both. The fines can range from $500 to $10,000. Federal prison time can vary from 5 to 15 years, depending upon the specific law violated.
Who is it safe to give your SSN to?
"You likely have to provide your Social Security number to your bank or employer but be wary of providing it to anyone else," Ian Bednowitz, general manager for Identity and Privacy at Lifelock shares with Kiplinger.
Can I open PayPal without SSN?
If you're asked by PayPal to provide your SSN and you do not, your account may be limited or closed.
What is the safest way to share SSN?
Don't Send Your SSN by Email or Text Message
Because a hacker might intercept the number and use it to commit fraud. Safe alternatives to sending an SSN include: Password-protected and encrypted file-sharing services.