Date: Wed, 06 Jan 93 16:53:22 EST
Errors-To: Comp-privacy Error Handler <comp-privacy-request@PICA.ARMY.MIL>
From: Computer Privacy Digest Moderator <comp-privacy@PICA.ARMY.MIL>
To: Comp-privacy@PICA.ARMY.MIL
Subject: Computer Privacy Digest V2#002
Computer Privacy Digest Wed, 06 Jan 93 Volume 2 : Issue: 002
Today's Topics: Moderator: Dennis G. Rears
SSN
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Date: Tue, 5 Jan 93 11:17:40 -0500
From: Susanna Elaine Johnson <sej3e@kelvin.seas.virginia.edu>
Subject: SSN
INTRODUCTION
So ingrained into our everyday lives is the social security number (SSN) that
it is difficult to believe there was no such thing just a generation ago. The
SSN was created in the 1930's to serve the limited purpose of enrolling those
persons covered by the original Social Security Act. This mammoth government
insurance program needed a mechanism to efficiently and accurately segregate
the earnings, payments and benefits of millions of individuals.
The social security numbering system was designed to do just that. Its unique
nine digit format allows for individual registration of nearly one billion
persions. Since issuance of the first SSN in 1936, some 300 million other
numbers have followed. Thus, with over two thirds of the possible numbers
still unassigned, the Social Security Administration has a tool that will meet
its needs for many decades - even many generations - to come.
However, the SSN has also come to play a far bigger role than its creaters
could have ever envisioned. From job applications, to tax returns, to
driver's licences, to educational records, the SSN has vecome the standard
identifier used on a wide variety of records. The decision of so many offices
to adopy the SSN for their own purposes is understandable. THere is no more
widely held number in the country. Most individuals acquire an SSN at a
fairly early age, generally no later than the time they enter the work force.
And, unlike names and addresses, a person's SSN cannot be duplicated or
changed. An SSN, once issued, is ours to keep. It never changes. The SSN is
truly the "universal identifier."
USES SND ABUSES
For those involved in pre-employment screening, the widespread use of the SSN
creates both certain problems and certain opportunities. Many offices
maintaining public or educational records index their files by SSN. To gain
access to these records, employers will frequently have to furnish a job
applicant's SSN. With a correct SSN in hand, an employer will be able to
obtain a broad spectrum of data of great significance in pre-employment
investigations. Without it, however, the employer will be blocked from
receiving accurate information.
The dangers created by this state of affairs are obvious. A clever applicant
with something to hide may intentionally supply a falsified number. Other
less malevolent, but somewhat careless, individuals may inadvertently furnish
correct numbers. In either case, obtaining the records necessary for a
complete background check will often be difficult or impossible. The
investigative process may be stymied.
Fortunately, with just a little knowledge about how the social security
numbering system works, it is possible for employers to spot many incorrect or
falsified numbers. This Guide will provide the information you need as well
as an easy-to-use table for checking specific SSN's.
COMPONENTS OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
The SSN's nine numeric characters can be separated into three basic
components. Each of the three sections plays a different role. To illustrate
how the parts fit together, we will use the sample number 987-65-4320. As
will become clear, this is actually an impossible number, but it serves well
as an example.
1. The Area Number.
The first three digits (987-65-4320) constitute the SSN's "area number." This
portion of the SSN indicates the state or territory 8in which the holder
resided at the time the card was issued. Each state and territory has been
assigned unique area numbers. Thus, for example, the state of Missouri has
been assigned areas 486 through 500. All applications for enrollment in the
social security system showing a Missouri return address will have an area
number somewhere within this range.
This geographic cue can significantly aid pre-employment screening
investigations. If a job applicant lists Alabama as the state of his birth
and formative years, but his SSN has a New York area number, a prospective
employer should probably ask about New York contacts. There may be a ligical
explanation for this apparent discrepancy, but the applicant may also be
hiding something in his background.
Also, many possible area numbers have not been activated at all. At present,
SSN's have been assigned only within the following ranges:
Active areas 001 - 587
589 - 626
700 - 728
Any claimed SSN with its first three digits outside the bounds of these ranges
cannot be valid. The table at the end of this Guide shows specifically which
states and territories have been assigned each of the active area nunbers.
2. The Group Number
The second two digits in the SSN (987-65-4320), together called the "group
number", constitute another key to spotting falsified or erroneous SSN's.
The group number serves to break down SSNs for a given state into more
manageable blocks. While a group number theoretically may be any two digit
number from 01 to 99, many possible groups within each state's allotment have
not yet been used. Any claimed SSN with one of these unused group numbers can
be presumed invalid.
Determining which group numbers have been used for a given state's SSNs is
actually a fairly easy matter. For each state the order in which the groups
are activated follows the same logical pattern. When you know where in this
pattern a given state is, you can instantly tell which group numbers are
valid for the state and which are not.
The pattern by which group numbers are assigned is explained below in the
section headed "The Numbering Sequence."
3. Serial Number.
The last four digits (987-65-4320) are called the "serial number." This may
be any four digit number from 0001 to 9999. THis serial number in a given SSN
simply shows its numerical position within a group. Our sample, 987-65-4320,
for example, would be number 4320 among SSN's within group 65 and area 987.
No valid SSNs will have a serial number of 0000. Beyond this, any other
serial numbers in a valid group and area are potentially valid.
THE NUMBERING SEQUENCE
Fore the residents of each state, social security numbers are assigned
according to rules whic, while logical, are not natural. That is, the rules
make sence once they are understood but they do not follow the pattern which
most people would expect.
Because of the unusual numbering system, it iw quite likely that many
applicants who intentionally or inadvertently supply incorrect social security
numbers will actuall pick "impossible" group and area combinations. Many of
these can be easily detected.
There are two basic patters which govern the assignment of SSN's in each
state's areas:
Rule 1. The Odd-Even-Even-Odd Rule.
The two digit group in the middle of the SSN is, in some tespects, the key to
determining validity. While these numbers may range from 01 to 99, groups for
a given state are not assigned in straight numerical order. The Social
Security Administration has adopted a unique "odd-even-even-odd" pattern for
opening these groups.
For SSN's in each state's area range, the first groups used are those with odd
numbers below 10. These groups are simply taken in ascending order (01,03,
05, 07 and 09). After all SSNs alloted in these groups have been issued, even
group number 10 and above (10, 12, 14, 16,...98) are activated, also in
ascending order.
When group 98 is reached, the Social Security Administration then returns to
even group numbers below 10, and finally, odd group numbers above 10.
>From this, one vital point emerges. When you know the group number currently
being used for a given area, you will instantly know which groups have
preceded it and which have not yet been used.
The following examples may help your understanding of the Odd-Even-Even-Odd
Rule:
Example 1. For Maine residents, SSNs with an 004 area are currently being
assigned a group number of 86 (004-86-XXXX). In light of the
Odd-Even-Even-Odd Rule, you can conclude the following about SSNs beginning
with an 004 area number:
a. Any such SSN with an odd group number less than 10 may be
valid.
b. Any SSN with an even group number higher than 86 is invalid.
(for example, 004-94-1234).
c. Any SSN with an even group number less than 10 is invalid.
(for example, 004-08-1234)
d. Any SSN with an odd group number greater than 10 is also
invalid (for example, 004-85-1234).
Example 2. In Maryland, for area number 212, SSNs are currently being
assigned group number 17. From this, you can infer the following about SSNs
in the 212 area:
a. SSNs for this area may have any odd group number less than 10.
b. Valid SSNs may also have any even group number.
c. Any SSN with a 212 area and an odd group number greater than
17 is not a valid number.
Example 3. In Michigan, SSNs with a 362 area number are, at present, being
assigned to the 04 group. The following conclusions are possible:
a. Any odd group number less than 10 may be valid.
b. Any even group number 10 or greater may be valid.
c. Any even group number greater than 04 but less than
10 is invalid.
d. Any odd group number greater than 10 is invalid.
Rule 2. The Group Rollover Rule.
For each state's area(s), all SSNs with a given group number are issued before
any with the next group number are issued. Within the group, numbers are
issued in all area, from the lowest through the highest. For example, in New
Hampshire (areas 001 to 003), the Group Rollover Rule dictates that:
001-52-5555 is followed by 001-52-5556;
001-52-9999 is followed by 002-52-0001, and not by 001-54-0001;
003-53-9999 is followed by 001-54-0001 (new group).
Like the Odd-Even-Even-Odd Rule, this goes counter to what most people would
guess. Just remember that the group controls the area, not the other way
around.
A SIMPLE METHOD
While a basic understanding of the social security numbering system is
invaluable, the Social Security Number Table at the end of this Guide will
take much of the work out of evaluations of particular SSNs.
Based on information compiled by the Social Security Administration through
December 1987, the table is comprised of three parts.
The first column lists, in order, each possible three digit area number. Both
those areas that have been activated and those that have not yet been used are
included. When presented with a specific SSN, you can quickly isolate those
with invalid area numbers.
The next four colums, when taken together, show the group numbers that are
possible for each area. Individually, these columns reveal the highest active
group number in four separate categories, namely:
odd group numbers less than 10.
even group numbers greater than or equal to 10.
even group numbers less than 10.
odd group numbers greater than 10.
The categories follow the order in which groups are assigned. For more on
this pattern, see the discussion above on the Odd-Even-Even-Odd Rule.
To check a given SSN, simply find its area number in column 1. Then, select
the appropriate group column to see if the area-group combination you have
been supplied is possible.
For example, suppose a job applicant listed 510-09-1234 as his social security
number. This SSN falls in the 509 to 515 area range found in column 1. You
see that SSNs with this area number are being issued. However, there is a
problem with the group number. Column 4 shows that for this area no even
group numbers less than 10 had been issued as of December 31, 1987. The SSN
reported by the applicant cannot be valid.
The third part of the table (column 6) allows you to math each area number to
its assigned state. If an applicant claiming to have lived in Florida all his
life produces an SSN of 540-09-1234, you may have reason to be suspect. The
table shows that while this is a valid number, it would have been issued to an
Oregon resident. A deeper investigation may be in order.
USING THE TABLE
A few additional examples of how the table could be used in particular
situations may help you understand more about its application to background
investigations.
Example 1: A New Jersey job applicant supplies an SSN of 153-52-1234. The
table shows that 153 is indeed within the range of SSNs issued to New Jersey
residents. Further, column 3 shows that SSNs with a group number of 52 have
been issued in the state. On the face ofthings, you have no reason to doubt
this is a valid SSN.
Example 2: A job applicant from Florida supplies an SSN of 590-72-2222. The
table reveals that 590 is a Florida SSN (column 6). However, column 3 shows
that the SSNs group number (72) is too high to be correct. The highest even
group number greater than or equal to 10 for the area is 60. This is an
invalid number.
Example 3: A Colorado applicant lists an SSN of 522-65-1234. Looking at
columns 1 and 6, you can see that there is no problem with the area number
since area 522 has indeed been assigned to Colorado residents. However,
column 5 reveals that no group 65 SSNs have yet been issued in the state.
Example 4: Another job applicant supplies 627-66-1234 as his SSN. This is
not a valid number. Column 1 shows that area 627 is still unassigned. No
SSNs with this area number have ever been assigned.
Just a few uses of the Social Security Number Table will show how easy it is
to catch many incorrect SSNs.
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER TABLE
AREA HIGHEST GROUP NUMBERS STATE OR TERRITORY
NUMBER odd<10 even>=10 even<10 odd>10
000 none none none none unassigned
001 09 74 none none New Hampshire
002-003 09 72 none none New Hampshire
004 09 86 none none Maine
005-007 09 84 none none Maine
008 09 70 none none Vermont
009 09 68 none none Vermont
010-029 09 68 none none Massachusetts
030-034 09 66 none none Massachusetts
035-037 09 56 none none Rhode Island
038-039 09 54 none none Rhode Island
040-041 09 82 none none Connecticut
042-049 09 80 none none Connecticut
050-119 09 72 none none New York
120-134 09 70 none none New York
135-152 09 82 none none New Jersey
153-158 09 80 none none New Jersey
159-184 09 68 none none Pennsylvania
185-211 09 66 none none Pennsylvania
212-216 09 98 08 17 Maryland
217-220 09 98 08 15 Maryland
221-222 09 72 none none Delaware
223-228 09 98 08 45 Virginia
229-231 09 98 08 43 Virginia
232 09 98 08 33 North Carolina
West Virginia
233-234 09 98 08 33 West Virginia
235-236 09 98 08 31 West Virginia
237-246 09 98 08 55 North Carolina
247-248 09 98 08 71 South Carolina
249-251 09 98 08 69 South Carolina
252-258 09 98 08 61 Georgia
259-260 09 98 08 59 Georgia
261-267 09 98 08 99 Florida
268-272 09 88 none none Ohio
273-302 09 86 none none Ohio
303-309 09 98 02 none Indiana
310-317 09 98 none none Indiana
318 09 80 none none Illinois
319-361 09 78 none none Illinois
362-367 09 98 04 none Michigan
368-386 09 98 02 none Michigan
387-397 09 98 none none Wisconsin
398-399 09 96 none none Wisconsin
400-406 09 98 08 33 Kentucky
407 09 98 08 31 Kentucky
408 09 98 08 57 Tennessee
409-415 09 98 08 55 Tennessee
416-424 09 98 08 27 Alabama
425-428 09 98 08 59 Mississippi
429-431 09 98 08 67 Arkansas
432 09 98 08 65 Arkansas
433-438 09 98 08 67 Louisiana
439 09 98 08 65 Louisiana
440-441 09 92 none none Oklahoma
442-448 09 90 none none Oklahoma
449-463 09 98 08 91 Texas
464-467 09 98 08 89 Texas
468-472 09 98 08 13 Minnesota
473-477 09 98 08 11 Minnesota
478-481 09 98 08 13 Iowa
482-485 09 98 08 11 Iowa
486-490 09 96 none none Missouri
491-500 09 94 none none Missouri
501 09 98 08 11 North Dakota
502 09 98 08 none North Dakota
503 09 98 08 13 South Dakota
504 08 98 08 11 South Dakota
505 09 98 08 21 Nebraska
506-508 09 98 08 19 Nebraska
509-515 09 94 none none Kansas
516 09 98 08 15 Montana
517 09 98 08 13 Montana
518-519 09 98 08 23 Idaho
520 09 98 08 15 Wyoming
521-524 09 98 08 59 Colorado
525 09 98 08 69 New Mexico
526-527 09 98 08 99 Arizona
528 09 98 08 75 Utah
529 09 98 08 73 Utah
530 09 98 08 27 Nevada
531 09 98 08 none Washington
532-539 09 98 06 none Washington
540-544 09 98 08 21 Oregon
545-573 09 98 08 99 California
574 09 92 none none Alaska*
575-576 09 98 08 39 Hawaii
577 09 98 08 15 District of Columbia
578-579 09 98 08 13 District of Columbia
580 09 98 08 21 Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands*
581-584 09 98 08 99 Puerto Rico
585 09 98 08 67 New Mexico
586 09 84 none none Guam*
American Samoa
North Mariana Islands
Philippines
587 09 98 08 59 Mississippi
588 none none none none Mississippi
589-591 09 60 none none Florida
592-595 09 58 none none Florida
596-597 09 14 none none Puerto Rico
598-599 09 12 none none Puerto Rico
600 09 50 none none Arizona
601 09 48 none none Arizona
602-620 03 none none none California
621-626 01 none none none California
627-699 none none none none Unassigned
700-723 09 18 none none RR Retirement**
724 09 28 none none RR Retirement**
725-726 09 18 none none RR Retirement**
727 09 10 none none RR Retirement**
728 09 14 none none RR Retirement**
729-999 none none none none Unassigned
* SSNs in these areas also assigned to Southeast Asian refugees during period
from April 1975 through November 1979.
** No longer issued.
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End of Computer Privacy Digest V2 #002
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