do i need to give my social security number to the lawyer when buying a house

Full Answer

Do I need to give my Social Security number to lawyer?

Otherwise, you will have to make an appointment and go to the lawyer's office. * This will flag comments for moderators to take action. I generally never give out a social security number. There is no need for it unless there is some claim of identity theft or something.

Do I need a Social Security number to buy a house?

Do I need to have any Social Security Number to buy a house? If you have cash to pay for the house then you do not need a Social Security number to buy one.

Should I give my Social Security number to someone?

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes, according to the Social Security Administration. Knowing how easy it is for someone to steal your personal information and identity can make you uneasy about sharing your Social Security number. However, there are certain situations which require you to provide that number.

Why do I need a Social Security number to rent a house?

One reason you'll be asked for your Social Security number on a rental application is for identification purposes. Landlords want to make sure you are who you say you are, so they'll need to match up your name with your Social Security number.

When should you give out your social security number?

When are you required to give your number? There are essentially two situations: You are doing something that is reportable to the IRS or your state's tax department; and/or. You are engaged in a financial transaction that is subject to the Customer Identification Program.

Should I give credible my social security number?

Don't ever give out your Social Security number or any other personal information to someone you don't know who initiates contact with you by phone, e-mail or in person. For example, if you receive an e-mail that claims that you must provide personal information to claim a refund from the IRS, it's a scam.

Do you have to give your social security number to get a loan?

The bottom line is that mortgage lenders do need your SSN to verify your credit history and finances. Mortgage lenders and credit companies have valid reasons for accessing your SSN, and you will be required to give it to them. However, you must be careful who you share your SSN with, and how.

Does pre approval need SSN?

Gather necessary information: Each lender has its own standards and processes for determining a pre-approval, but usually you'll need to provide the lender with your social security number and current financial information like income, assets, and debt.

Why do lenders need Social Security number?

Lenders need your Social Security number to run a credit check so they can see your credit score. They pull three reports by the major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and Trans-Union.

Why you shouldn't give out your Social Security number?

A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, when they use the credit cards and don't pay the bills, it damages your credit.

Can someone access your bank account with your SSN?

They can use your SSN to open a bank account in your name. That means that anyone with your SSN can easily open a bank account in your name, especially if the identity thief already obtained a driver's license in your name.

Are banks allowed to ask for Social Security number?

Yes, in certain circumstances. A bank may be required to obtain an identification number for several kinds of banking-related activities, including: When opening an account. For monetary (deposit and loan) transactions.

Can a bank ask for Social Security number to cash a check?

Don, Where are the banking laws in regard to cashing checks? One bank has a new policy where noncustomers must provide Social Security numbers along with occupation, address, two forms of I.D. — and a fingerprint! That's just to cash a check.

What documents do you need for a pre approval?

Summary: Documents needed for a mortgage preapproval letterIncome and employment documents, such as tax returns, W-2s and 1099s.Asset statements on bank, retirement and brokerage accounts.Monthly debt payments and any real estate debt statements.Records of rent payments, divorce, bankruptcy and foreclosure.

How long does mortgage approval take?

two to six weeksGenerally speaking, it usually takes two to six weeks to get a mortgage approved. The application process can be accelerated by going through a mortgage broker who can find you the best deals that suit your circumstances. A mortgage offer is usually valid for 6 months.

Does a preapproval letter mean you are approved?

It is not a guarantee your loan application will be approved, but preapproval at least shows the seller you mean business and are likely to secure the financing needed to seal the deal. Furthermore, some sellers require a prequalification or preapproval letter before they will consider or accept your offer.

Is credible legit?

Is Credible legit? You can't borrow a student loan from Credible or get lower interest rates by using its platform. But Credible is a legitimate way for student loan borrowers to compare multiple offers — similar to other online lending marketplaces, including NerdWallet's — to get the best deal possible.

Is it safe to put your Social Security number on a job application online?

Short answer: No. Do not place your SSN on your resume. Identity theft is a concern, and you should carefully guard access to this number. Scammers could ask for SSN as part of a fake job application.

Is it safe to send Social Security number in email attachment?

Don't Send Your SSN via an Electronic Device Never type your SSN into an email or instant message and send it. The majority of such messages can be intercepted and read. Also, don't leave a voicemail that includes your SSN. If you need to contact someone and give them your number, it's best to do it in person.

Can someone access my bank account with my Social Security number?

They can use your SSN to open a bank account in your name. That means that anyone with your SSN can easily open a bank account in your name, especially if the identity thief already obtained a driver's license in your name.

James Zhidun Zhou

I typically ask for social security numbers as well in my consultations regarding bankruptcies but not for criminal defense or civil litigation work. So it depends on what your consultation is for. Social security numbers are necessary when filing for bankruptcy or in other types of legal representation.

Matthew Scott Berkus

Maybe it is a way for the attorney to determine who is serious about the services he or she offers. As has been pointed out, depending on the nature of issue at hand, the SSN may be necessary for the attorney to gather the necessary background to actually help you.

Paula Brown Sinclair

Without knowing the general nature of your legal concern and reason for the consultation, it is not possible to be definite. For some areas of law, the number can be essential. For instance, the number is needed up front for the disability case reviews I do because I obtain claim files from Social Security.

2 attorney answers

Lawyers and financial institutions have a legal obligation to confirm the identity of the people who come to them for services. In such a case it is proper to request a photo id and your SS number. There are always people who will abuse this information, but for the most part banks and lawyers should not be that type.

John William Callinan

I would always recommend consulting with local counsel, preferably a certified elder law attorney.

Can a defendant disclose your social security number?

There was a time when your social security number was protected from disclosure . However, now, the defendant is entitled to it so they can ascertain whether you received any medicare or medical benefits. If you did those liens must be satisfied from any settlement funds.

Do you have to give your SS number?

You don't have to give your SS#, but more than likely, if you don't, the other side will ask the Court to order you to and if you don't comply with the judge's order, the judge is likely to kick your case out of court. The other side is allowed to discover anything that could likely be admissible in the case. Presuming you have an injury case, almost all your medical records will be indexed by SS# and they will need the number to get those records. Your income records will be indexed that way too. The other side is entitled to get those records if you are claiming injuries and lost income. Good luck.

What are the two situations where you are reporting something to the IRS?

There are essentially two situations: You are doing something that is reportable to the IRS or your state’s tax department; and/or. You are engaged in a financial transaction that is subject to the Customer Identification Program.

Is a social security number a golden key?

Your Social Security number is a golden key. With it, thieves can take out credit and commit other identify theft in your name. The best protection we have is to give our Social Security numbers only when absolutely necessary. When are you required to give your number?

What to do if you are denied a rental?

A credit check cannot be completed without your permission and specific information such as your Social Security number. If you are denied a rental home because of your credit, you should get a copy of your credit report so you know what kind of damaging information is on there.

Is a social security number good for background checks?

Your Social Security number is helpful for this type of screening as well. A background check will either demonstrate that you have no derogatory information in your past, or it will provide information on arrests, court cases and other potentially negative details.

Do landlords need to match your name with your social security number?

Landlords want to make sure you are who you say you are, so they'll need to match up your name with your Social Security number. Someone with a suspicious past could try to rent a home using a different identity. Comparing your Social Security number to the rest of the information you provide on your application will prove your identity.

Can a landlord ask for a social security number?

Landlords are legally allowed to ask you for your Social Security number on a rental application , but you are also permitted to discuss how that number will be used. Ask how you can be sure it will be kept secure and find out who will have access to it.