Finding an individual’s social security number using only their name for free (or even for a fee) is typically a dead-end, as this personal information tends to be kept private. In the wrong hands, your social security number could be used as part of an identity theft scam or to commit crimes.
Our article discusses the legal ways you can request your own social security information or verify someone’s identity through established resources.
Can You Find Someone’s Social Security Number Online?
Often, employers or other individuals want to verify someone’s identity, but they only have a name to go on. When trying to find social security numbers by name for free, it can be tempting to try and find this information online to verify their identity, but this is highly illegal. Social security information is privacy protected, and this information in the wrong hands can lead to identity theft, fraud, and other crimes.
So while you can’t find another individual’s social security number by name for free or at all, employers or companies can sometimes request this information as part of an employment application. This data can then be put into the U.S. government’s website for social security number verification to ensure that the individual is who they say they are.
Keep in mind that varying state laws govern what employers can and can’t do with this information—research disclosure laws in your jurisdiction to understand your state’s laws.
Any website or individual that says they can provide this information to you is likely engaging in illegal activities to do so, or they are attempting to collect your data as part of a scam. It is not recommended to attempt to find this verification online via a name search or through any other source.
Finding Social Security Number Information the Legal Way
If you’ve lost your social security number information, believe your information has been stolen, or need a replacement social security card, you can utilize the U.S. government’s social security administration’s website to regain this information.
Simply follow the prompts on the webpage for the social security card services or information that you need. You will most likely need to file a request and provide other proofs of identification before this information is released to you.
Other Ways to Figure Out Important Information
While it’s impossible to find someone’s social security number by name for free online, you can use someone’s name to find other important information about them. Using a people search tool like this one can help you narrow down personal information such as phone numbers, email addresses, known friends and relatives, and social media accounts so you can verify someone’s identity the legal way.
Just ensure you are not using any of the information you gain through a search tool like this to stalk or harass someone, and you will be well on your way to obtaining the information you need.
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