why would a lawyer ask for your social security number

by Arnaldo Mosciski 7 min read

One of the ways to do this is with your Social Security number. By law, we are required to provide this information to the defense attorneys. It allows them the ability to do background checks on you as well as investigate your past and current issues.

By law, we are required to provide this information to the defense attorneys. It allows them the ability to do background checks on you as well as investigate your past and current issues.

Full Answer

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

Jun 15, 2013 · Social security numbers are necessary when filing for bankruptcy or in other types of legal representation. Of course, it is up to you when you want to provide it, you may want to wait until you actually retain the attorney. You should bring up your discomfort at your consultation and see what the attorney says. 2 found this answer helpful

Why do employers ask for your Social Security number?

Jul 16, 2013 · Posted on Jul 16, 2013. Posted on Jul 16, 2013. At first blush It would appear to be a sure way to avoid being scammed. Your SS # clearly identifies you so the lawyer knows you are who you say you are. You won't believe how often people use alias information on an intial consult to scam the law office later.

Why do scammers ask for a Social Security number?

Mar 13, 2013 · There is no need for it unless there is some claim of identity theft or something. There should be some compelling reason for the other side to need a social security number and they should have to prove that reason to a court. Too much information is available once a social security number is given out.

Is my Social Security number protected from the defendant?

Not long ago, people provided their Social Security numbers without a second thought. Criminals took advantage of that complacency, and as a result, the federal government established the Identity Theft Task Force in 2006. One of the first recommendations the task force made was decreasing the unnecessary use of Social Security numbers. Much work remains in …

image

Can you refuse to give your Social Security number?

Anyone can refuse to disclose his or her number, but the requester can refuse its services if you do not give it. Businesses, banks, schools, private agencies, etc., are free to request someone's number and use it for any purpose that does not violate a federal or state law.Feb 27, 2019

What can someone do with a Social Security number?

5 things someone can do with a stolen Social Security number
  • Open new accounts. If someone has your SSN, they can open new accounts in your name. ...
  • File fraudulent tax returns. Your Social Security number is also used to file your taxes in most cases. ...
  • Obtain medical care. ...
  • Steal your benefits. ...
  • Commit crimes.
Dec 10, 2021

Who will ask for your SSN?

You do need to give your Social Security number (SSN) to:

Employers. The three main credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Federal and state agencies when applying for benefits: Social Security, Medicare, disability, Medicaid, and other aid programs` Investment advisors and brokerage houses.
May 22, 2018

Why Social Security number is confidential?

The Social Security Administration protects your Social Security number and keeps your records confidential. We don't give your number to anyone, except when authorized by law. You should be careful about sharing your number, even when you're asked for it.

What happens if hackers get your Social Security number?

Hackers can use your SSN to get credit cards in your name.

It is possible for a hacker to get a credit card with just your name, address and Social Security number. Once the credit cards are in place, fraudsters can run up a lot of debt.
Oct 14, 2021

Can someone access your bank account with your SSN?

As soon as hackers have access to your SSN, they'll have the ability to access your bank accounts, open new accounts in your name, open lines of credit and credit cards, obtain your tax return, take our loans, use your health coverage and open utilities and memberships in your name.Nov 18, 2020

Are Social Security numbers mandatory?

Ask questions when they ask for your Social Security number.

There is no law that prevents businesses from asking for your SSN. And you may be denied service if you don't give the number.

How do I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number for free?

If you believe someone is using your Social Security number to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes, contact the IRS online or call 1-800-908-4490. You can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).Nov 19, 2019

Why does the claim adjuster keep asking for my Social Security number?

First let's talk about why the insurance adjuster is asking for your social security number. The primary legal reason that the insurance company is asking for your social security number is to verify if you are enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B (or have ever previously received Medicare Part A or Part B).Feb 6, 2013

How can I find out if someone is using my identity?

What you can do to detect identity theft
  1. Track what bills you owe and when they're due. If you stop getting a bill, that could be a sign that someone changed your billing address.
  2. Review your bills. ...
  3. Check your bank account statement. ...
  4. Get and review your credit reports.

Brian C. Snell

Many lawyers have a standard in-take form. If you are not ready to select the lawyer and would prefer to hold on to that information, then don't complete that question. If you ultimately retain the attorney, they may need your social securtiy number in the future...

Alan James Brinkmeier

At first blush It would appear to be a sure way to avoid being scammed. Your SS # clearly identifies you so the lawyer knows you are who you say you are. You won't believe how often people use alias information on an intial consult to scam the law office later. It happened multiple times today

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.

Is it legal to ask an attorney to ask questions?

No, it is not illegal. A person can ask for anything, but whether the attorney can force you to produce the information is a different question. Since you want to know if an attorney can ask, the answer is yes he or she can ask. It is legal also for the lawyer to have you ask questions over the phone as well.

What happens if you refuse to provide your SSN?

If you refuse to provide your SSN, companies may choose not to do business with you , but there's no law that prevents them from asking for it. These are some examples of businesses that require a Social Security number for legitimate purposes: • Insurance companies.

When was the Identity Theft Task Force established?

Criminals took advantage of that complacency, and as a result, the federal government established the Identity Theft Task Force in 2006. One of the first recommendations the task force made was decreasing the unnecessary use of Social Security numbers.

Can a federal agency deny a person a right, benefit, or privilege?

Federal, state, and local agencies may deny an individual a right, benefit, or privilege provided by law because of such individual’s refusal to disclose the individual’s social security number if the disclosure is required by federal statute.

What is Section 7 of the Privacy Act?

Section 7 of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, 5 U.S.C. § 552a note (Disclosure of Social Security Number)). Section 7 was passed into law as part of the Privacy Act of 1974, Public Law 93–579, 88 Stat 1896. Unlike section 3 of the Privacy Act, however, which Congress designated as an amendment to Title V of the United States Code, ...

What is a violation of section 7?

To constitute a violation of section 7, an agency must not only request that an individual disclose a social security number, but also deny a “right, benefit, or privilege” to that individual because of the individual’s refusal to disclose the social security number.

How to avoid scams?

Tips for Avoiding Scammers 1 If an employer ever asks you to send them money as part of the application, chances are it is a scam. 2 If an employer you have never worked with or never heard of gives you a check, it is likely also a scam. Tear up the check and cease communication with the company. 3 Definitely do not email your social security number to any prospective employer - or to anyone, in general. 4 Avoid sharing any personal information beyond your contact information. Do not include, for example, your driver’s license number and/or credit card information.

How to fill out a job application?

Your Options for Filling Out the Application 1 Add an Explanation. You may be able to explain in your application that you do not feel comfortable giving them your social security number at this point in the job application process. However, keep in mind that if any job listing requires your social security number and you do not list it, your application may not be considered. 2 You May Be Able to Leave it Blank. If you are filling out a job application, you may be able to skip the section where they ask for your SSN. Or make a notation that you would be willing to share your social security number once you are being seriously considered for employment. 3 You Could Edit What You List. Another option is to list the last four digits as 0000. Of course, employers might choose to screen out applicants who do not comply with their request for information.

Who is Alison Doyle?

Alison Doyle is the job search expert for The Balance Careers , and one of the industry's most highly-regarded job search and career experts. Many job seekers are concerned about providing their social security numbers (SSN) when completing job applications.

image