Social Security Numbers

Are social security numbers just random numbers? Are they ever re-used after people die?

Cecil says this about social security numbers

And don’t forget this novel approach - why not visit the Social Security Administration FAQ page!

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Hilda Whitcher was the original owner of the famous “Woolworth” SSAN.

Shortly after social security started, she was working as a secretary for a wallet manufacturer. The company somehow selected her number to show on a sample social security card included in each wallet.

Over the years over 40,000 people claimed the number, and a handful were still claiming it as late as 1977.
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