Consent-Based Social Security Number Verification

Posted on by Mike Bankhead
General

PeopleG2 has listened to its customers, and are now offering a pre-hire Social Security Verification through the Social Security Administration.  The standard Social Security Search is based off of credit records to provide proof that the SSN is a valid number.

The new Content Based SSN Verification (CBSV) runs your applicants name and SSN against the SSA’s Master File to determine if the SSN matches the applicants name.  With the consent of the SSN holder, you will be able to access CBSV to verify the match. CBSV returns a “yes” or “no” verification indicating that the submission either matches or does not match SSA Records.

Why are employers choosing the CBSV search?  Here are a few reasons.

  • Increasing numbers of applicants use fraudulent identities that appear valid
  • Despite legislation, perpetrators easily exploit system vulnerabilities unless you are using CBSV
  • The use of blended identifiers – called Synthetic Identity Theft – will pass through current processes
  • CBSV mitigates the risk of fraud and ID theft by reducing losses, bad and negligent hires, and unauthorized applicants
  • CBSV is virtually 100% accurate, matching Name, SSN, DOB and Death Indicator to the SSA Master Filed and Death Index
  • CBSV is valid post-hire and should be run on all current employees to ensure an authorized workforce.

Something to keep in mind is that the CBSV does not verify identity, citizenship, or employment eligibility nor does it interface with the Department of Homeland Security Verification System. In order to do these things, you must run an I-9 verification through E-Verify. Some companies utilize this system as a regular part of their hiring process, others are mandated to use it by their state or local government, and others do not choose to utilize E-Verify. 

While the CBSV does not verify a right to work in the United States, it will provide employers with peace of mind that the SSN is not only valid (which can be found via the standard Social Security Search), but it has been verified as a name and SSN match through the Social Security Administration’s database.