What's the law? recommendation?

[bigplayer]

Originally Posted by shadroch

Giving a false SSN is breaking the law. You don't have to give any, but making up a random number is most likely going to result in you giving some persons SSN. Using another persons SSN is a crime.

You should always give your real SSN...although sometimes I've been known to get confused and transpose numbers or just screw it up completely. As long as you are only giving it verbally there is no proof that the screw up wasn't just a clerical error. (Especially if you know no tax form is going to be filed on such a small jackpot). If you ever fill out a W9 it is a crime to give wrong SSN intentionally as there is an oath where you sign your name attesting the info is correct.

[21forme]

FYI, businesses can sign up for a online service, run by the gov't to verify SSNs, so they can check in real-time.
Info here: http://www.ssa.gov/employer/ssnv.htm