Many people get excited when they discover a social security number during a records search. Unless you know how to conduct a people search by social security number, it really doesn’t do much good.

While a social security number is limited to just one person, most public records do not list the number. Consider your records for example. How many of your records have your social security number plastered on it? Unless you want to hire a professional, you need to start using this information creatively.

If the person is dead, request a Social Security Administration records search
If you know the name, state of birth, and date of birth of the individual you can request the Social Security Administration do a social security records search. You will need to provide the Social Security Administration proof of death since this information is not available on anyone that is living.

Freedom of Information Officer
4-H-8 Annex Building
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

It is libel to turn up something worthwhile, although, I would not hold my breath waiting for the information. The SSA is notorious for taking their time in records research.

If the person is dead, you can do an Online Social Security search
An online social security number search will get you results much faster. I must say the Internet made genealogy research fun again and practically put private detectives out of business.

Not to say that private eyes can’t do better work because they can. They can dig up stuff that you probably can’t find. But if you have a social security number and a last name, enter it.

There are tons of online reverse social security number databases to choose access. Personally, I like using ones that have PayPal but as long as you have a credit card, you are good. You need the social security number and a last name. You should be able to access stuff like:

• Personal Papers
• Death Certificates
• Funeral Home Records
• Bank Records
• Voter Registration
• Former Employers

If the person is still alive, you can search Online
Actually, if the person is alive, you can only search online or hire a private detective. A person’s social security number is private and there is not a whole lot of information to be found for a living person.

Do not expect to find a lot of information on a living person. Although, even with the privacy surrounding a living person’s social security number, you can do a reverse look up and you can find a person’s current address.

Therefore, if you are currently looking for an old flame and happen to have their social security number lying around the house, give it a shot. A people search by social security just might worth a shot.

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