Latest Breaking News
In reply to the discussion: Jill Stein: 'No question' Julian Assange is a hero [View all]reorg
(3,317 posts)seems to be the result of the general unwillingness there to have a proper registration system, like a national identity card and so forth. However, even with an ID card/passport or other identification (e.g. medical insurance ID card, with photo) it would be impossible for me to get most of the things you mentioned unless I would present myself in person, WITH the ID card with a photo of myself.
So, while the situation in the US may be different from other countries in this respect, I understand the SS number alone doesn't get you anywhere if you are one of those criminals who are just waiting for the next Wikileaks release so they can scour the records until they find something they can abuse. OTOH, people seem to leave that SS number in places where it can be found. If it is really useful for criminals, there are probably rackets that steal SS numbers and sell them by the batch.