Access to Sellers' SSNs

**tate** · 07-15-2009, 10:32 PM

While purchasing my first home recently, I was asked to sign a document titled, "Sellers Affidavit of Non-Foreign Status" twice (once by the seller's agent and once at closing). On the form are the social security numbers of both sellers

**Greg** · 07-16-2009, 08:36 AM

All of our state forms ask for the buyers and sellers SS numbers. I don't let my clients fill in these parts. I also don't circulate copies of the deposit check which all of the real estate companies think is perfectly normal. If I have to provide a copy of the check I redact the account number and any personal info.

You are not the only ones to see this info. The staff at the real estate office, the closing office, and the lenders office all had access to this info.

**JesseB** · 07-23-2009, 08:27 AM

It's pretty important for seeing credit histories I guess, but what safeguards are in place to protect the buyers?

**tucsonhomes** · 07-23-2009, 03:39 PM

[QUOTE=tate;61140]While purchasing my first home recently, I was asked to sign a document titled, "Sellers Affidavit of Non-Foreign Status" twice (once by the seller's agent and once at closing). On the form are the social security numbers of both sellers

**tate** · 07-23-2009, 07:54 PM

Thanks for everyone's responses. I should have been more clear in my original post: I was the buyer in the recent transaction and was shown the Social Security Numbers of the sellers--not once, but twice!!! I don't feel as though I should have been privy to this info. There may be perfectly valid reasons for the seller's agent and escrow company to have it, but it should not, under any circumstance, been shown to me. In today's world of rampant identity theft, it was pure negligence on the part of the seller's agent and the escrow company to present me with the form. And if it's an "industry practice," then the industry needs to carefully examine itself. As soon as time permits (i.e., when I'm done unpacking), I will follow up with the CA Dept of Real Estate. (I would feel bad if I didn't.)

Signed,
Shocked buyer.