98

SSN numbers are good for 999,999,999 people alive or dead. At some point the US will hit that, right? Do we start reusing numbers? Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

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[-] over_clox@lemmy.world 28 points 1 month ago

SS numbers can't start with a 9, so you might wanna recalculate that.

[-] PrimeErective@startrek.website 9 points 1 month ago
[-] BajaTacos@lemm.ee 21 points 1 month ago

Reserved for employer identification numbers.

[-] over_clox@lemmy.world 7 points 1 month ago

Or newborn babies. I still got a 950 number written on the back of my official birth certificate.

[-] BajaTacos@lemm.ee 3 points 1 month ago

Interesting, never heard of that. I've certainly obtained EINs that begin 95-...

[-] over_clox@lemmy.world 9 points 1 month ago

I think they're used as placeholders while they file the documents. My OG SS number started with 950, but that only lasted until the paperwork was complete.

Obviously I won't be sharing my private info here though, but yeah, those numbers can't officially start with a 9.

[-] remotelove@lemmy.ca 7 points 1 month ago

There are several more that aren't used. There are a few reserved for promotions or movies and such. 666, 900-999 and 000 numbers are out as well.

I believe that SSNs have to pass a luhn check too.

[-] Blackmist@feddit.uk 1 points 1 month ago

But that would mean there's already duplicates in use as you'd be limited to 90 million rather than 900 million.

[-] remotelove@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 month ago
[-] Blackmist@feddit.uk 1 points 1 month ago

From the first link.

Unlike many similar numbers, Social Security numbers have no check digit.

From the second.

The Luhn algorithm is used to check or validate identification numbers to ensure their accuracy. Today, the algorithm verifies that a credit card or Social Security number was input and processed accurately.

[-] remotelove@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 month ago

Yeah, personally, I have questions about the luhn check myself. (I am not in a state to research more this evening, unfortunately.)

[-] Blackmist@feddit.uk 1 points 1 month ago

I'll save you the bother. It doesn't have one. :)

If it did, there wouldn't be enough numbers for everyone to have a unique one.

this post was submitted on 12 Oct 2024
98 points (96.2% liked)

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