quote:

Originally posted by Blume9mm:
1. I have to admit my reason for asking the question about the various prices on SS cards as to how 'good' they were was making an implication that the only way I can see that to occur is if someone at the social security office is actually supplying them. sorry if that insults the OP but it is just how I saw it.

2. Then again the only time I had to deal with the SS Admin was when I needed a replacement card ... the person issuing me the new card noted the birthday in the computer was one month different from the one on my birth certificate .... he then made the statement that my parents must have gotten it wrong when applying... I did not say anything to the guy but thought who is more likely to make the mistake of my birthday.. my parents or the person entering it in the system?

1. I used to regularly review the OIG reports of SSA related prosecutions nationwide. In 40 years I can only recall one employee busted for selling "valid" SSNs to people who didn't have the proper documentation. (She got 10 years). It would be tougher for an employee to do than you might guess. The computer remembers forever who processed the SSN request. Any employee who is processing more than the average number of alien SSNs gets flagged for a review. Doesn't mean necessarily that they did anything wrong, but their transactions require extra scrutiny. And they get it, with checks on where the cards are being sent, recontacts with the SSN applicant and other security measures. Additionally, if a bunch of cards are going to the same address, the computer flags that as well and it gets investigated. There are other security measures as well. As a manager I spent many hours reviewing transactions of all sorts flagged by the system as outside the norm. (I got checked as well.) There are also some completely random checks. This was not just new SSNs, but all sorts of transactions as well. I will also say that when it came time to do hiring, I always had many more applicants than openings. As I result, I can choose from among the very best. Lots of vets with degrees and experience in the private sector, as well as other quality people. Ex-felons don't get hired at SSA.

Also, why bother to bribe an SSA employee for a card when you can buy a good fake one for around $100 or less.

2. If I had to guess, I would say that it was probably a keying error by the employee. But who knows for sure.