Did you know…? The last four digits of your Social Security number are especially important. (2024)

FAQs

Are the last 4 digits of SSN important? ›

Sometimes people will ask for the last four digits of your Social Security number. Be sure to keep those numbers safe because they're unique to you. Dishonest people can find out the other numbers in your Social Security number, but not the last four. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Many banks, government agencies, and other financial institutions only ask for the last four digits to confirm your identity. With those four digits, plus a bit more of your personal information, scammers could open accounts, access your bank, or apply for benefits in your name.

The last four digits only become “unique” when used in combination with the first 3+2 digits. As others have said, the last 4 numbers alone are not unique.

Banks may require the last four digits of your Social Security Number for identity verification, but they will never ask for the full number via text or phone. Providing the entire SSN to someone over an unsecured channel can expose you to identity theft and financial fraud.

Issuer pre-qualification pages

AmEx may also offer an “apply with confidence” option for some of its cards. Full name, address, date of birth, last 4 digits of your Social Security number, what kind of card you want.

Don't Send Your SSN via an Electronic Device

If you need to contact someone and give them your number, it's best to do it in person.

There are millions of people who have SSNs, and some people think it is unique, but it is not, your number can match several people. Out of 119 people, there is a 50% chance that two of them will have the same last 4 digits in their SSN.

If not properly protected, SSNs can be misused. Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in databases or security systems to access various sensitive and personal information, including SSNs. Once they have this data, it can be used for identity theft, financial fraud, and other malicious activity.

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.

How do I find the last 4 digits of someone's social security number? You can't. Social Security numbers are private. Unless you are an employer checking to see if the number given you to pay someone is correct you can't get it.

Is it safe to give the last 4 digits of SSN on a job application? ›

Do not give out your last 4 or full SSN to a recruiter until you get an offer. You can just give them a random 4 numbers if they insist, they won't verify anyways.

How are the last four digits of an SSN used in identification? The last four digits are commonly used by organizations and businesses for verification purposes. They may be used to confirm a person's identity in financial transactions, employment processes, and other situations requiring identity verification.

Why do I need to enter the last 4 digits of my Social Security Number (SSN)? US federal law requires financial institutions like NALA to obtain the last four digits of your social security number (SSN). Our banking partner then verifies this information to confirm your identity.

The last 4 digit of your social security number is one of the data elements we can use to verify your identity. This is analogous to setting up a new bank account or a merchant account with a Payment Facilitator like PayPal, Square or Stripe.

(a) Exclusion or redaction of identifiers

If an individual's social security number is required in a pleading or other paper filed in the public file, only the last four digits of that number may be used.

Your bank account isn't going to be hacked with only the last 4 digits of your account. However, if the bank's records are successfully hacked into then everyone's accounts will be at risk.