1.)What is a social security number?
2.)what are the implications of loosing it to another person?
3.)Give a sample of a social security number

Hi there yomyom~

THE HISTORY OF SSNs

Social Security numbers (or SSNs) were introduced in the United States
by the Social Security Act of 1935.  SSNs were intended to be used in
conjunction with the social security program set up by F.D.R.; in
brief, they were designed to make record-keeping easier for the Social
Security Administration. At that time, Social Security only paid
retirement benefits to the primary worker.

Each SNN is unique (they are not reused after someone dies), and
according to the Social Security Administration, over 400 million
different numbers have been issued to date.

In 1961, the IRS (Internal Revenue Service, which collects Federal
taxes) began using SSNs to identify tax payers over the age of 18.
Today, the IRS claims that any U.S. citizen who makes an income must
have a SSN. All employers are required to report their employee’s
income to the IRS, using SSNs to identify individuals.

When SSN was originally handed out, each Social Security card carried
the words “Not to be used for Identification.” However, no law was
passed to support this, and by 1972, the phrase was removed. Today,
SSNs are widely used as a means of identification. This, in turn, has
lead to many problems.


CONSEQUENCES OF “LOOSING” YOUR SSN

Many people have had their “identity” hijacked because someone used
their SSN for illegal activities. It’s fairly easy for someone to use
your SSN to steal “your identity and gain access to your bank account,
credit accounts, utilities records, and other sources of personal
information. Identity thieves can also establish new credit and bank
accounts in your name.” (“My Social Security Number: How Secure Is
It?” by Utility Consumers' Action Network / Privacy Rights
Clearinghouse, http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs10-ssn.htm ) It is
almost impossible to prove that it was a criminal using your SSN, and
not yourself.

For these reasons, it's not a good idea to carry your SSN card on your
person; also, don’t carry any documents that contain your SSN. If your
wallet or purse gets lost of stolen, the thief can easily obtain
credit in your name, or apply your SSN to other illegal activities. Do
not throw away documents that have your SSN o them; destroy them by
burning or shredding them. Don’t use your SSN on the Internet, and
give out your SSN as little as possible.

For tips on getting your SSN off of your driver’s license, health
insurance card, etc., read “What You Can Do To Protect Your Number” by
Chris Hibbert: http://www.cpsr.org/cpsr/privacy/ssn/SSN-History.html

Also check out the Social Security Administrations publication “When
Someone Misuses Your Number:” http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.html

And “ My Social Security Number: How Secure Is It?”:
http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs10-ssn.htm


THE MAKE-UP OF SSNs

SSNs are made up of nine numbers, usually separated by hyphens (like
this: AAA-BB-CCCC). The first three numbers are the card holder’s
“area number;” they identify the region (rather like a ZIP code) where
the card-holder was when they obtained the card. To see a list of area
numbers and their corresponding locations, visit “The SSN Numbering
Scheme,” by the Social Security Administration:
http://www.ssa.gov/history/ssn/geocard.html

The middle numbers are called the “group number,” and are assigned
within each area, but not in consecutive order.

The last numbers are called the “serial number.” These are assigned in
the order in which the cards are requested, within each group.

To see a what a modern Social Security Card looks like, visit “How
Social Security Numbers Work,” by How Stuff Works:                    
   http://people.howstuffworks.com/social-security-number2.htm


OBTAINING A SSN

To receive a SSN, a person must fill out an “Application for a Social
Security Card (Form SS-5).” In addition, they will be asked to provide
documents that prove age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or alien
status. Applications may be had by going to
www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html , or by calling
1-800-772-1213. All Social Security cards and numbers are free.

Children do not need an SSN, unless their parents want to claim them
as a deduction on their income taxes. Health insurance companies often
require children to have SSNs, and if the child has a savings or other
bank account in their name, the bank will almost also require a SSN.

A person whose name has changed, or who has lost their card, may get a
replacement card by calling the above 800 number. They will need to
fill out Form SS-5, provide evidence of identity (including several
documents that show their old and new name, if their name has
changed), and evidence of citizenship or alien status. The duplicate
card will have the same number as the original card. (If your identity
has been stolen, don’t count on the Social Security Administration
providing you with a new SSN; they rarely do.)

Once you have a SSN, you can’t decide to get out of the program or
“throw away” your number; it is yours for life.



I hope this helps!
Kriswrite

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