Q: Can I get a bank account without giving my SSN?

I was engaged in a conversation around security and identity just recently, and I was asked this question. I think the real intent of the questions was, “Can I disappear off the grid?”

I think the simple answer is “NO”.  Not if you want all the advantages of living on the grid. You just can’t have your cake and it too.

That said, Wired magazine published an article that pointed out a common well known generic Social Security number that is still accepted by many systems today:

078-05-1120

It will not always work. Some systems are smart enough to block it.

Won’t to know more? Then read the full article at:

http://nonemore.comicgenesis.com/howtodisappear.html

Enjoy,

-Keith

 

P.S. Guess the secret agent in the picture for extra points!