April 25, 2023

One of the most common first steps in a background check is a Social Security Number (SSN) trace. This step confirms an applicant’s identity and provides basic information about the individual. This article will explain SSN tracing and why employers should make it part of their background screenings.

An SSN trace gives employers general information about an applicant’s Social Security Number. It also provides information from the Social Security Administration (SSA), such as the state and year the SSA issued it. In addition, this trace offers the names, previous addresses, and current address connected with the number. Finally, verifying an SSN confirms the number’s validity and whether it matches the applicant’s name and birthdate. As such, running an SSN trace can prove helpful for any employer. 

Background check providers may recommend running this trace before conducting criminal background check checks, credit checks, and other screenings to confirm the SSN’s validity first. Running an SSN trace first would warn employers of discrepancies concerning the applicant’s SSN or identity. Furthermore, it would inform employers which county or state criminal record databases to search for further screenings. 

Employers should know SSN traces do not guarantee that the applicant provided their SSN. The risk of an applicant providing a false identity is among many reasons employers should consider conducting identity verifications with SSN verification. Here are several reasons why this step would help:

• Running an SSN trace allows employers to learn possible identity issues early in employment.
• An SSN trace can verify a Social Security Number’s validity before performing other screenings, such as a criminal background check or credit check. 
• Employers can use the obtained information in other steps of the background check process. For example, the applicant may have lived in several locations in the last seven years. This information allows employers to direct criminal or motor vehicle record screenings in targeted areas.
• Employers may also discover a maiden name or other aliases they want to investigate.

Information Found in SSN Traces

• If the SSN is valid and currently in use;
• The state the SSA issued the number;
• The year of issue;
• Recent addresses associated with the SSN;
• Identify inconsistencies in an applicant’s information, such as an issue date inconsistent with the applicant’s birthdate;
• Reveal errors or incorrect information;
• Names associated with the Social Security Number, including aliases and maiden names.

Final Thoughts

A Social Security Number trace is integral to a comprehensive background screening. The best way to conduct an SSN trace is to partner with a background check company experienced in performing these checks. The right provider can also perform other background screenings to ensure you hire employees who best fit your company. In addition, the provider will provide all requested information while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.