What makes a Social Security number fake

A bogus Social Security number is one that was never issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA), or one that belongs to someone else and is being used fraudulently. Fake numbers fall into a few categories: numbers that don't follow SSA's assignment rules, numbers that were made up or guessed, and real numbers stolen and used by someone other than the person they were issued to.

The SSA has never issued numbers that start with 000, 666, or 900–999. It also has never issued numbers where all three digit groups are the same (like 111-11-1111) or where the middle two digits are both zero (like 123-00-4567). These patterns are straightforward to spot and are often used in movies, TV shows, and examples. If you see a number matching these patterns, it's either fake or being used as a placeholder.

Beyond these obvious patterns, a fake number might straightforward be a random string of digits that sounds plausible but was never assigned to anyone. Criminals sometimes generate these, and sometimes people make them up without realizing the SSA keeps records of every number it has issued.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security numbers starting with 000, 666, or 900–999 were never issued by the SSA and are always fake.
  • Numbers where all three groups match (111-11-1111) or where the middle section is 00 are also never issued and are straightforward red flags.
  • A fake number used on a job process, loan, or government form can expose you to identity theft, tax fraud, and criminal liability.
  • If you suspect someone is using a fake number or your number is being misused, report it to the SSA and the Federal Trade Commission.

Why someone might use a fake Social Security number

People use fake numbers for different reasons, and the consequences depend on the reason. Someone might use a fake number on a job process because they are not authorized to work in the United States. An employer might unknowingly hire them, or the person might be committing employment fraud. In either case, the employer ends up filing tax documents with a number that doesn't match any real person.

Criminals also use fake numbers as part of identity theft schemes. They might open credit accounts, take out loans, or file tax returns using a number they made up or stole. If the number happens to be close to a real one, the fraud can get tangled up with an innocent person's record.

In some cases, a person might use a fake number to hide from creditors, avoid child support obligations, or evade law enforcement. This is a federal crime, and the penalties include fines and prison time.

How fake numbers end up on your record

If someone uses a fake Social Security number that happens to be similar to yours, or if a data breach exposes your real number and a criminal uses it, you may discover the problem when you check your credit report or receive a tax notice from the IRS.

The SSA maintains a record of earnings reported under each number. If earnings are reported under your number but you didn't earn that money, it's a sign that either your number is being misused or a fake number close to yours is causing confusion. You can check your earnings record by creating an account on ssa.gov and viewing your Social Security Statement.

If you receive a tax notice, a bill for unpaid taxes, or a notice of wage garnishment for work you didn't do, that's a strong signal that your number has been compromised or that a fake number is interfering with your record.

What to do if you think your number is fake or compromised

If you suspect your Social Security number is being used by someone else, or if you used a fake number yourself and want to correct it, contact the SSA directly. You can visit your local Social Security office in person, call 1-800-772-1213, or use the SSA's online message service at ssa.gov. Bring a photo ID and proof of citizenship or legal residency.

If you discover that someone has used your real number to open accounts or file a tax return, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC will create a record of the fraud and provide you with a recovery plan. You should also file a police report and contact your bank and credit card companies.

If you used a fake number on a job process or other form, you should correct it as soon as possible. Contact your employer, your bank, or whoever received the false information and explain the error. The longer you wait, the more complicated the correction becomes, and the greater your legal exposure.

How employers and lenders check for fake numbers

Most employers use E-Verify, a federal system that checks whether a Social Security number matches a real person and whether that person is authorized to work. E-Verify will flag a number that doesn't exist or doesn't match the name provided. Some employers also run background checks that include Social Security number verification.

Banks and credit card companies use similar verification systems. When you explore for a loan or credit card, the lender checks your number against SSA records and your credit history. A fake number will either fail the verification or show no credit history, which will result in a denial.

Government agencies, including the IRS and state tax authorities, also verify Social Security numbers. If you file a tax return with a fake number, the IRS will reject it or flag it for investigation.

The legal consequences of using a fake Social Security number

Using a fake Social Security number is a federal crime. The penalties vary depending on the circumstances and what you were trying to do, but they can include fines up to $250,000 and up to 15 years in federal prison. If you used the fake number to commit identity theft or fraud, the penalties are even harsher.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and used a fake number to get a job, you may face deportation in addition to criminal charges. If you are a citizen, a conviction can affect your ability to get a security clearance, a professional license, or certain types of employment.

Even if you made an honest mistake — for example, you misremembered your number when filling out a form — you should correct it when ready. Correcting the error yourself is much better than waiting for an employer, lender, or government agency to discover it.

Protecting yourself from fake number fraud

The best way to protect yourself is to keep your Social Security number private. Don't share it unless you have a clear reason to do so. Employers, banks, and government agencies need it, but your doctor's office, your insurance company, and your utility company usually don't. Ask before you provide it.

Monitor your credit report regularly. You can get a free report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for accounts you didn't open or inquiries you didn't authorize. If you spot something wrong, dispute it with the credit bureau and the company that reported it.

Check your Social Security earnings record at least once a year. If you see earnings you didn't earn, contact the SSA right away. The sooner you report it, the easier it is to correct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a new Social Security number if mine has been compromised?

Yes, but only in certain situations. The SSA will issue a new number if you can show that your current number is being used fraudulently and that the fraud is causing you serious harm. You must provide evidence of the fraud and proof that you have taken steps to stop it. A new number is not automatic and is not a quick fix.

What happens if I accidentally used a fake number on a job process?

Contact your employer and your HR department when ready and explain the error. Provide your correct Social Security number and ask them to correct their records. The sooner you do this, the less likely it is that the mistake will cause problems with your taxes or your employment record. Your employer may need to file corrected tax documents with the IRS.

How do I know if a Social Security number is real?

Numbers starting with 000, 666, or 900–999 are never real. Numbers where all three groups are identical (111-11-1111) or where the middle section is 00 are also never issued. Beyond these patterns, you cannot tell if a number is real just by looking at it. Only the SSA can verify whether a specific number was actually issued.

What should I do if I see a fake Social Security number being used?

If you suspect someone is using a fake number to commit fraud, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov or to the Social Security Administration's Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov. If the fraud involves employment, you can also report it to your state's labor department or to the Department of Homeland Security.

Can a fake Social Security number affect my credit score?

If someone uses a fake number that is similar to yours, or if your real number is stolen and used fraudulently, it can affect your credit. The fraud might show up on your credit report under your name, or it might create a separate credit file. Either way, it can lower your score and make it harder to get loans or credit cards. Check your credit report regularly to catch this early.