TN 3 (09-05)

A. Policy - Misuse Of SSN

Section 208 (a) of the Act (42 U.S.C. § 408(a)) makes the misuse of the SSN a felony. Some examples include:

• the misuse, by one individual, of the SSN belonging to another individual,

• using false documents to obtain an SSN under an assumed identity, or

• buying, selling, or counterfeiting Social Security cards.

EXAMPLE: An individual opens a bank account with an SSN other than his/her own for the purpose of avoiding taxes. This is a potential felony violation of section 208(a)(7)) of the Act.

B. Procedure - Misuse Of SSN

Refer any potential violation involving the misuse of the SSN to the Office of Inspector General in accordance with the procedures in GN 04111.005.