Social Security Number Scan

What is a Social Security Number Scan?

A Social Security Number Scan reports names and addresses associated with a particular Social Security Number. The report also may show if a Social Security Number is valid, when it was issued, and where it was issued.

Social Security Number Search and Person Search: Are They the Same as a Social Security Number Scan?

A Social Security Number Scan may also be referred to as a Social Security Number Search or a Person Search.

What are the Sources of a Social Security Number Scan?

The primary source of information for a Social Security Number Scan is the header information from credit applications submitted to a Credit Reporting Agency. The name, address, Social Security Number, and employer (no credit information) listed for each credit application are placed into a separate database for later searching. The scan finds all names and addresses in the file associated with a specific Social Security Number. The report uses published Social Security Administration guidelines to determine whether a Social Security Number is valid and where and when it was issued.

What are the Benefits of a Social Security Number Scan?

A Social Security Number Scan is a great research tool. It provides an independent third-party source of name and address history that can be used when running criminal record checks. Applicants (especially those with something to hide) often do not disclose all of the names they have used or give a complete address history. This makes the Social Security Number Scan critical to any Comprehensive Background Check.

This report may also indicate whether an applicant has provided an invalid Social Security Number, is using someone else's number, etc.

What are the Weaknesses of a Social Security Number Scan?

The name and address information obtained from credit header records is only as reliable as the information reported to and entered by the credit agencies. Names can be misspelled, social security numbers can be wrong, and addresses can be entered incorrectly. The errors can be mistakes or false information on the original document, misreading of an individual’s handwriting, or data entry errors. Also, if other individuals (such as spouses, parents, children, roommates, etc.) jointly apply for credit, these names and the individual’s address history may appear under one social security number on the Social Security Number Scan.

How Long Does a Social Security Number Scan Take?

Social Security Number Scans are usually available the same day the order is entered into our online tracking system. To protect the confidential nature of this information, Social Security Number Scans cannot be viewed online by our clients. They must be faxed or mailed.

Can I See a Sample Social Security Number Scan?

Yes, click Sample Social Security Number Scan.

What is Our Recommendation for a Social Security Number Scan?

We strongly recommend that a Social Security Number Scan be run as part of every Background Check.

What if I Find Errors on My Social Security Number Scan?

You will need to contact the Credit Reporting Agencies directly. See Credit Bureau Contact Information.

Need Help Deciding Which Searches to Choose?

For a summary of our suggestions on what should be in an accurate background check, see The Best Background Check: A Comprehensive Background Check.
For a complete list of all our searches, see What is in a Background Check.
We are also happy to answer your questions. Just give us a call at 530-346-6626.

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