SSN Trace Check
An SSN Trace Check (Social Security Number Trace) is a foundational identity verification step used in background checks to validate that a person’s SSN is legitimate, and to uncover associated names and address history. It does not verify employment or criminal records directly—but it helps guide those deeper checks.
🔍 What is Included in an SSN Trace Check?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What It Does | - Checks if the SSN is valid and issued by the SSA - Identifies name(s) associated with the SSN - Returns known address history tied to the SSN |
| Data Sources | - Credit bureau header data (not credit scores) - Public databases - SSA-issued number ranges |
| Key Outputs | - Full name(s) or aliases (e.g., maiden names, nicknames) - Approximate date of birth - List of past and current addresses |
| What It’s Not | - It is not a background check on its own - It doesn’t show criminal, financial, or employment history directly |
Why It’s Useful
- Identity Verification: Ensures the SSN exists and matches the claimed identity
- Alias Detection: Helps uncover other names used by the individual—critical for accurate criminal checks
- Address History: Provides a timeline of where the individual has lived, useful for conducting local or county-level criminal checks
- Fraud Detection: Helps flag potential synthetic identities, fake SSNs, or mismatches
Common Use Cases
- Employment Screening: As a first step before conducting deeper background checks
- Tenant Screening: To ensure the applicant’s identity and trace address history
- Financial Institutions: For KYC and fraud prevention during onboarding
- Government & Licensing: For identity verification and audit trails
Compliance & Privacy
- Falls under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) if used for employment or credit decisions
- Requires applicant consent before being performed
- SSN data must be handled securely to protect Personally Identifiable Information (PII)