I want to be anonymous. I don't want to have to give any corporation (or the government if I could get away with it, any number or name which will uniquely identify me to another corporation or government agency). Social security numbers suck, and were never designed to be used in this way.
Here is some information on how they work and what you can do about it.
The Structure of Social Security Numbers
A Social Security Number (SSN) consists of nine digits, commonly written as three fields separated by hyphens: AAA-GG-SSSS. The first three-digit field is called the "area number". The central, two-digit field is called the "group number". The final, four-digit field is called the "serial number".
The process of assigning numbers has been changed at least twice. Until 1965, only half the group numbers were used. Before 1972, numbers were assigned by field offices; since 1972, they have all been assigned by the central office. The order in which numbers were assigned was changed in the 1972 transition. There may have been other changes, but it's difficult to get information on how things used to be done.
Quoted from: http://www.cpsr.org/cpsr/privacy/ssn/ssn.structure.html
More information here:
Giving Your Number To Others
If a business or other enterprise asks you for your Social Security number, you can refuse to give it to them. However, that may mean doing without the purchase or service for which your number was requested. For example, utility companies and other services ask for your Social Security number, but do not need it; they can do a credit check or identify their customers by alternative means.
Giving your number is voluntary even when you are asked for the number directly. If requested, you should ask:
- Why your number is needed;
- How your number will be used;
- What happens if you refuse; and
- What law requires you to give your number.
The answers to these questions can help you decide if you want to give your Social Security number. The decision is yours.
Our primary message is this--be careful with your Social Security number and your card to prevent their misuse.
Quoted from: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10002.html
When Someone Misuses Your Number
More information here: