When in doubt, check it out – beware of suspicious SSNs

Unlike identity theft, a synthetic identity combines an array of credentials, both fabricated and authentic, to create an artificial identity with no real person attached to it. While some, or all, of the information could be real, the combination of SSN, birth date, address and phone number do not match a real person.[1]

Some red flags to be aware of as you complete a credit application and review the credit bureau may include:

• Applicant who does not remember his/her SSN
• In-file date of the SSN on the credit bureau is discrepant for the age of the applicant
• Applicant’s personal information on the credit bureau does not match the application
• Credit bureau contains only trade lines that have recently been opened
• Trade lines show applicant as an authorized user
• Multiple instances of the SSN being used in Dealertrack/RouteOne, but has different names associated with it
• Proof of income reflects a different SSN
• Applicant is using a Credit Privacy Number (CPN – sometimes referred to as a Credit Profile Number) in lieu of an SSN
• Social Security card printed after September 2007 that reflects the name on one line (cards printed after September 2007 have the last name printed on a second line – for more information regarding this and other updates, visit the Social Security Administration website)

When in doubt, check it out! The Fraud Investigations Department is dedicated to helping you prevent fraud. For more information on SSN fraud prevention please visit SSA.gov.

If you have questions and/or assistance regarding a suspicious identity situation please call the Fraud Investigations Department at 855-541-7716.

[1] “The Long Con: An Analysis of Synthetic Identities.” id: analytics. Published October 2014. Accessed 10/16/2015. http://consumerbankers.com/sites/default/files/2014-12-10%20White%20Paper%20-%10ID%20Analytics.pdf.