How come no online process ever recognizes my social security number?

Question

I have a social security card with my SSN on it, so I know it by heart. However, it NEVER works online. I've tried to get my credit report from the official government website - could not verify my SSN. I tried to give it to PayPal so they could confirm my account - could not verify my SSN. I had to give it to a car dealership to secure the car - could not verify my SSN. This is getting really frustrating and I don't understand why it is. I'm 21 years old, so I'm not a minor or anything, if that affects my social security number's status.

Answer 1

I'd suggest you contact the credit bureaus directly.  Your account could be flagged for fraud or have a security alert on it.  Also, there's a new identity theft trend of stealing the identity of minors, meaning that before you even turned 18 someone could've been using your SSN illegally (this is awful, but some parents even steal their own children's identity to apply for credit).

Definitely give the credit bureaus a call - they should be able to offer you some insight.  Here are their numbers:

Equifax

P.O. Box 740241

Atlanta, GA 30374

1-800-685-1111

Experian

P.O. Box 2002

Allen, TX 75013

1 888 397 3742

TransUnion

P.O. Box 1000

Chester, PA 19022

1-800-888-4213