Background Checks by ClearCompany: SSN Overview

The Person Search, also known as an SSN Trace, is a standard part of a background check. This article explains what it is, how it’s used, and answers common questions from employers and candidates.

In this article:
Person Search Overview
Why do addresses or names look unfamiliar?
SSN randomization explained
Candidate concerns about SSN information
F.A.Q.

Person Search Overview

A Person Search uses the Social Security Number(SSN) provided during authorization to identify:

• Names that may be associated with the SSN.
• Address history linked to public and commercial records.

This information references related data. It helps the background checks team determine which jurisdictions should be searched for reportable records, such as criminal history.

Important to know:

• Person Search data is not used to make employment decisions.
• It is not included in the consumer report provided to the employer.
• It is intended for internal use by consumer reporting agencies only.

There is no cutoff for how far back the address history may go. Any public record address associated with the SSN may appear.

Why do addresses or names look unfamiliar?

Person Search results may sometimes include:

• Old or unfamiliar addresses.
• Variations of a name.
• Shared addresses with other individuals.

These situations can occur due to typographical errors, shared residences, cosigning, or data inconsistencies in public or commercial records. This does not affect the outcome of the background check.

If an additional or incorrect name appears, our team reviews and corrects the record. Once corrected, the updated report is resent to both the client and the candidate.

SSN randomization explained

In 2011, the Social Security Administration (SSA) began issuing SSNs randomly. This change:

• Removed geographic significance from SSNs.
• Helped protect against misuse.
• Extended the lifespan of the 9-digit SSN system.

Because of this, SSN patterns may not align with the place or date of birth. This is expected behavior.

Candidate concerns about SSN information

If a candidate contacts us about information linked to their SSN, we explain that:

• Person Search data is not shared with the employer.
• It is not FCRA-reportable data.
• Employment decisions are never based on this information.

If a candidate believes the information may indicate possible SSN misuse, we recommend reviewing their credit reports with the major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

Any inaccurate or unverifiable pointer data is excluded from the final background check report.

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F.A.Q.

Do clients need to verify a candidate’s SSN?

No, notes related to SSN validation are common and expected. Even when a note appears, address history is often still sufficient to complete required criminal searches.

Why does it say the SSN does not match?

If an SSN cannot be verified, the candidate may be asked to provide documentation directly from the SSA.

What the candidate should do:

• Visit a local Social Security Administration office.
• Request documentation verifying the SSN.
• Send the document to [e-mail] or upload it through the secure portal under Documents.

Why was the SSN issued years after the candidate was born?

This can happen for several reasons, including:

• The individual lived in the U.S. under temporary or non-resident status.
• A parent or guardian applied for the SSN later in life.

In addition, prior to 1987, SSNs were not routinely issued at birth. That year, the SSA introduced the Enumeration at Birth (EAB) process, allowing parents to request an SSN during birth registration. Individuals born before or outside this process may show a delayed issuance date.

What if the candidate is international and does not have an SSN?

For one-off cases, candidates can enter: 999-999-9999. Clients may also contact ClearCompany to set up an international background check package or remove the SSN requirement entirely for applicable workflows.