Social Security Card?

[wdfifteen]

For thirty years I've thought I didn't have had a social security card. At times not having one has been a pain. Last weekend I found the original card I got when I was 16, still in the original envelope from the SSA. It's just a piece of cardboard. I'd like to have a duplicate in case I lose it again so I'm thinking of scanning it, photoshopping out the number and signature, and printing a new one to type the number on (yeah, I still have a typewriter) and sign. I can duplicate it so close no one would ever know it's not the original. This has me wondering. Does anyone know where I can just go on line and download a blank? It would be a lot easier than getting one from SSA or going through the scan&photoshop process.
These things are so easy to counterfeit I don't understand why are they considered a valid ID anywhere.

[GH85Carrera]

From what I have heard you can get a fake in short order for cheap.

I still have my original SS card with the staple in it that the SS office put in there when I was 14. I have never ever carried it or shown it to anyone for anything. It just sits in the lock box in a safe place.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

These things are so easy to counterfeit I don't understand why are they considered a valid ID anywhere.

Try and get a drivers license in TX without one.

When I presented my passport as ID was told no good. Too easy to fake, gotta be a SS card

Went to SS office for replacement which was issued after presenting my passport as ID.

Sidebar, did the package show up yet?

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Sidebar, did the package show up yet?

Yes, thanks. I'm trying to get some video software right now. It's been a comedy of errors.
Tried to download the trial of Adobe Premier, discovered I had to have OS 10.5. Tried to backup my computer before upgrading to 10.5, backup drive not big enough, got bigger drive (2 days), upgrade the OS (half a day), debug newly installed OS (half a day), downloaded Premier (3 hours), installed premier (1.5 hrs) found out the trial watermarks the video until you buy the program (argg). Now I'm looking for free software that will allow me to make these copies. I'll keep you posted.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Try and get a drivers license in TX without one.
When I presented my passport as ID was told no good. Too easy to fake, gotta be a SS card
Went to SS office for replacement which was issued after presenting my passport as ID.

Insane, isn't it? When I tried to renew my DL I went through the same thing, passport and all.
But here in Ohio a employee ID card is acceptable proof.
I didn't have one, but I called my office from the registrar's office and very loudly told one of my designers to get one of my publicity photos off the server and make me an ID card and bring it to me. 45 minutes later in she comes with acceptable ID. She even put it in one of the lanyard ID carrying things that we'd gotten at a trade show.
It's insane.
And NOT secure.

[red-beard]

I used my passport for my Driver's License in Texas. I don't know why they wouldn't take yours. They have a point system and you have to have so many points of identification.

[The Gaijin]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

When I presented my passport as ID was told no good. Too easy to fake, gotta be a SS card

They are dopes.

My original SS card (from the '60s) says: "not to be used for ID purposes".

I have never carried it, and more than once "refused" to show it, citing the above. It should be used for social security purposes only. How many states use the SS# on driver's licenses?? Right there, next to the name, address and birth date!

My nephew (on scholarship) was accepted into college with full transcripts, letters of reference after going through the full application process. Yup, waited weeks to start his work-study BS job, while an "original" SS card was procured..

[GH85Carrera]

From my understanding the ONLY places you MUST tell your SS number to is your bank, and your employer, and of course on your tax forms.

Over the years varoius doctors offices and business have asked for my SS number. I always leave it blank. If they insist I give them a number they get 555 55 5555. One receptionist actually asked if that was really my number!

[M.D. Holloway]

Years ago you could get metal ones. I remeber seeing the ads in comic books. I always thought that would be cool when I was 8.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by red-beard

I used my passport for my Driver's License in Texas. I don't know why they wouldn't take yours. They have a point system and you have to have so many points of identification.

I tried twice.

Had my NY license and PP 1st time. NG. Was told I HAD to have something with a SS# on it.

Went back again, NY license, PP, W2's and a couple of other items with SS# on it.

Was told then that they will ONLY accept SS Card, Medical Card if my member # is my social or a college transcript with my SS# on it.

That's when I asked what's wrong with the other State or Federally issued forms of ID and was told, "they are too easy to fake".

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

From my understanding the ONLY places you MUST tell your SS number to is your bank, and your employer, and of course on your tax forms.

Over the years varoius doctors offices and business have asked for my SS number. I always leave it blank. If they insist I give them a number they get 555 55 5555. One receptionist actually asked if that was really my number!

Same here, I leave it blank. Never been asked about it. Scolded my wife about that recently, she fills it in. Told her to never ever do that again.

If I ever run into a doc that insists on it I'll find another doc.

[HarryD]

Some interesting reading onthe topic:

My Social Security Number - How Secure Is It? | Privacy Rights Clearinghouse

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

Yes, thanks. I'm trying to get some video software right now. It's been a comedy of errors.
Tried to download the trial of Adobe Premier, discovered I had to have OS 10.5. Tried to backup my computer before upgrading to 10.5, backup drive not big enough, got bigger drive (2 days), upgrade the OS (half a day), debug newly installed OS (half a day), downloaded Premier (3 hours), installed premier (1.5 hrs) found out the trial watermarks the video until you buy the program (argg). Now I'm looking for free software that will allow me to make these copies. I'll keep you posted.

OS 10.5?

Use iMovie. It recognizes the Canopus as a Firewire "camera".

Scott

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

OS 10.5?

Use iMovie. It recognizes the Canopus as a Firewire "camera".

Scott

I'm doing the tutorial right now. Thanks!

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

I'm doing the tutorial right now. Thanks!

If you have the $29 Quicktime Pro upgrade and all you want to do is record you can use Quicktime. Go File/New Recording and hit start.

[mikester]

I had to get a new one for our oldest a while back - it was pretty easy. I think it took about an hour at the SS office. It was an insignificant amount of time really. I should get a new one for myself...

[VINMAN]

Originally Posted by LubeMaster77

Years ago you could get metal ones. I remeber seeing the ads in comic books. I always thought that would be cool when I was 8.

Both my parents have always had metal ones, from as far back as I can remember.

[sammyg2]

Can't get a job where I work unless you provide a SS card and at least one other form of gubmint ID.

[HarryD]

Interesting, I have never shown my SS card to anyone. It has been in my safe deposit box. If I am not mistaken, the only one who NEEDS to SEE it is the Social Security Office when you apply.

[A930Rocket]

I haven't seen mine in years and haven't needed it for anything.