Social Security Number Records Checklist
Free Guide for Judgment Creditors: Check Your Existing Documents First
Before paying for professional SSN lookup services, use this comprehensive checklist to see if you already have the judgment debtor’s Social Security Number in your existing documents. Many judgment creditors discover they already possess the information they need.
Success Rate: Approximately 10-15% of judgment creditors find the SSN in their existing records.
Time Required: 30-60 minutes
By Lance Casey, Licensed California Private Investigator #27617
Why Use This Checklist?
Many judgment creditors already have the debtor’s Social Security Number in documents from the original transaction or business relationship. Before investing in professional SSN lookup services, spend thirty to sixty minutes systematically reviewing your existing records. You might already have what you need to complete your WG-035 form and move forward with wage garnishment.
This checklist covers the most common places where Social Security Numbers appear in business and legal documents. Work through each section methodically, checking off items as you review them. Even if you do not find the complete SSN, you may discover other valuable information like current addresses, phone numbers, or employment details that will help with collection efforts.
What You Will Need
Gather these materials before starting:
All documents related to the original transaction or business relationship with the judgment debtor. This includes contracts, agreements, invoices, and correspondence.
Court records from your lawsuit including the complaint, answer, judgment, and any other filings from either party.
Any credit applications, financial documents, or payment records from your dealings with the debtor.
Previous correspondence including emails, letters, text messages, and written notes from meetings or phone calls.
Access to your digital records including customer databases, accounting software, email accounts, and cloud storage where relevant documents might be stored.
Section 1: Court Documents and Case Files
Review All Documents from Your Lawsuit
Start with your court case file, as this is often the most accessible and organized source of information about the judgment debtor.
Original Complaint and Legal Filings
Review your original complaint and all documents filed in your case. Sometimes defendants provide their Social Security Number in their Answer or other responsive filings, especially in cases involving contracts or financial matters. Check every page of every document filed by the defendant, as the SSN may appear on signature pages, verification sections, or financial disclosure forms.
Judgment Document and Abstract
Examine the judgment document itself and any Abstract of Judgment you may have recorded. While rare, some judgments include the debtor’s Social Security Number, particularly if it was disclosed during the case. If you recorded an Abstract of Judgment with the county recorder, check both your copy and the recorded version, as sometimes additional information appears on recorded documents.
Financial Disclosures and Debtor Examinations
If the debtor filed any financial statements with the court, these documents typically require Social Security Number disclosure. Similarly, if you previously conducted a debtor examination where the debtor appeared under oath, the examination transcript or any written financial statement provided during that examination should include the SSN.
Settlement and Mediation Documents
Review all settlement negotiation documents and any mediation materials in your possession. Written settlement offers sometimes include Social Security Numbers, particularly when discussing payment plans or financial arrangements. While mediation communications are generally confidential, any documents in your own files are available for your review.
Where to Look for Court Documents
Check your attorney’s complete case file if you had legal representation. Request copies of the entire case file from the court clerk’s office, as there may be documents you do not have in your personal records. Review your own records from the lawsuit, including any notes, correspondence, or documents exchanged during the case.
Section 2: Original Transaction Documents
Contracts, Agreements, and Business Records
The documents from your original business relationship with the debtor are among the most likely sources for finding a Social Security Number.
Written Contracts and Agreements
Examine any written contract or agreement you had with the debtor. Business contracts frequently require Social Security Number disclosure, especially those involving credit, financing, or long-term commitments. Check the signature page where SSNs often appear below the signature line, the party information section at the beginning of the contract, and any tax reporting or credit check authorization sections.
Lease and Rental Agreements
If your judgment arose from a landlord-tenant relationship, rental lease agreements almost always include the tenant’s Social Security Number. This is one of the most reliable sources. Check the rental application, the lease agreement itself, and any addendums or modifications to the lease.
Loan and Financing Documents
Any loan documents, financing paperwork, or installment payment agreements should contain the debtor’s Social Security Number. This includes purchase money loans, equipment financing, vehicle financing, or any other credit arrangement. Review promissory notes, security agreements, loan applications, and all related documentation.
Employment and Contractor Documents
If the debtor was your employee, check W-4 forms, I-9 employment eligibility verification forms, employment applications, and personnel files. All of these documents include Social Security Numbers. For independent contractors, review W-9 forms which require SSN or EIN disclosure, independent contractor agreements, and any tax reporting documentation.
Partnership and Business Formation Documents
If your relationship involved a business partnership or if the debtor was part of a limited liability company or corporation, review all business formation documents, partnership agreements, operating agreements, and corporate bylaws. Personal guarantees on business debts typically include the guarantor’s Social Security Number.
Section 3: Credit and Financial Documents
Documents Related to Credit, Financing, or Payments
Credit and financial records are excellent sources for Social Security Numbers, as financial institutions and credit grantors routinely collect this information.
Credit Applications and Reports
Credit applications always include Social Security Numbers, making them your best source if you extended credit to the debtor. If you pulled a credit report on the debtor before extending credit, that report includes the SSN. Review any credit card applications, credit account opening documents, or applications for lines of credit.
Bank Account Information and Payment Records
Check bank account opening documents if the debtor established an account with your business. Review copies of checks from the debtor, as some checks print Social Security Numbers, especially business checks. Wire transfer records and ACH payment authorization forms typically include SSNs for verification purposes.
Financing and Payment Plan Documents
Examine all financing documents, payment plan agreements, and installment sale contracts. Personal financial statements provided for credit approval should include Social Security Numbers. If anyone provided a personal guarantee for the debt, that guarantee document typically requires SSN disclosure.
Tax Forms and Insurance Documents
Review any tax forms you have related to the debtor including Form 1099s issued to them, W-9 forms they provided to you, or any other tax reporting documents. Some insurance applications and policy documents also include Social Security Numbers, particularly for beneficiary designation or credit life insurance.
Where to Find Financial Documents
Search your accounting department files, bank statements where SSN might appear in payment notes or check images, credit department files and underwriting documents, and accounts receivable records and customer account files.
Section 4: Background Check and Verification Documents
Pre-Transaction Verification and Screening Records
Documents created during background checks and verification processes almost always include Social Security Numbers.
Professional Background Check Reports
If you conducted a professional background check before entering into a relationship with the debtor, that report includes their Social Security Number. Background check companies require SSN to generate accurate reports, and the SSN appears on the report itself.
Credit Check Authorization Forms
The signed authorization form that allows you to pull someone’s credit report typically requires them to provide their Social Security Number. Review any credit check authorization or consent forms the debtor signed.
Rental and Tenant Screening
Rental applications always include Social Security Numbers, and tenant screening reports provided by screening companies include the SSN. If you were a landlord or property manager, these documents are in your tenant files.
Employment and Professional License Verification
If you verified the debtor’s employment history or professional licenses, the verification documents may include their Social Security Number. Some professional licenses require SSN disclosure, and verification responses sometimes include this information.
Identity Verification and Know Your Customer Documents
Review any identity verification documents collected for Know Your Customer compliance, anti-fraud purposes, or regulatory requirements. These KYC documents typically include Social Security Numbers along with copies of government-issued identification.
Section 5: Payment and Collection Records
Previous Collection Attempts and Payment History
Your own collection efforts may have generated documents containing the Social Security Number.
Payment Plan Agreements and Collection Letters
If you previously arranged a payment plan with the debtor, the payment plan agreement may include their Social Security Number, particularly if you indicated you would report to credit bureaus. Review collection letters, demand letters sent before filing your lawsuit, and any correspondence related to collection attempts.
Previous Legal Actions and Public Records
Search for previous legal actions against the same debtor, including small claims cases, other civil lawsuits, or criminal cases where they were a party. If the debtor filed for bankruptcy at any time, their Social Security Number is part of the public bankruptcy record and can be found through the PACER system (Public Access to Court Electronic Records).
Prior Garnishments and Levies
If you previously attempted wage garnishment or bank levies against this debtor, those records include their Social Security Number. Check your files for any previous WG-035 forms, writs of execution, or levying officer records.
Credit Bureau Reporting
If you reported the debt to credit bureaus, your own records from that reporting should include the Social Security Number you used. Review any credit reporting files, collection agency records if you used a collection service, and communications with credit bureaus.
Section 6: Communication Records
Email, Letters, and Other Correspondence
Sometimes debtors provide their Social Security Number in routine business communications.
Email Correspondence
Search your email for messages from or about the debtor. Use search terms including “SSN,” “social security,” “social security number,” and number patterns like “###-##-####” or “# # # – # # – # # # #.” The debtor may have provided their SSN in an email regarding account setup, credit applications, or payment arrangements.
Text Messages and Phone Records
Review text message conversations with the debtor. They may have provided their Social Security Number via text when setting up accounts or providing information for credit checks. Check your phone’s message history and any archived messages.
Written Letters and Fax Records
Examine any written letters you received from the debtor or their representatives. Review fax records, as faxed documents frequently include sensitive information like Social Security Numbers. Check both incoming and outgoing faxes related to the debtor.
Meeting Notes and Customer Service Records
Review notes from in-person meetings, phone conversation logs, and customer service interaction records. Your customer relationship management system or accounting software may have notes fields where employees recorded information including Social Security Numbers during customer interactions.
Section 7: Online and Digital Records
Electronic Records and Database Systems
Digital systems often store information that may not appear in paper files.
Customer Database and CRM Systems
Check your customer relationship management system for the debtor’s complete profile. Many businesses store Social Security Numbers in customer databases, particularly for credit accounts or recurring service arrangements. Review fields for SSN, tax ID, or identification numbers.
Accounting and Business Software
Search your accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, etc.) for the debtor’s customer profile. Check all fields in their customer record, including custom fields where SSN might be stored. Review vendor records if the debtor was also a supplier or contractor.
Online Account Registration
If the debtor created an online account to access your services, review the account registration information. Check user profiles, account settings, and any documents uploaded or submitted through the online portal.
E-Signature and Document Management Systems
Review documents signed through electronic signature platforms like DocuSign, HelloSign, or Adobe Sign. Check the signer information fields and any completed forms or applications that were signed electronically. Search your document management system for PDFs and scanned documents containing the debtor’s name.
Cloud Storage and Email Attachments
Search your cloud storage services (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, etc.) for documents related to the debtor. Search email attachments by sender name or subject line to find documents that might contain Social Security Numbers.
Payment Gateway and E-Commerce Records
If you accept online payments, check your payment gateway customer profiles (Stripe, PayPal, Square, Authorize.net, etc.). Review shopping cart data and e-commerce checkout information from online transactions.
Section 8: Third-Party Sources
Information from Other Parties
Third parties who dealt with the debtor may have records containing the Social Security Number.
Credit Bureau and Collection Agency Files
If you subscribe to credit reporting services, your credit bureau files may contain the debtor’s Social Security Number from previous inquiries or reports. If you previously hired a collection agency, they may have obtained the SSN during their collection efforts.
Attorney and Legal Service Provider Records
Review files from any attorneys who represented you in dealings with the debtor. Check with process servers who served documents on the debtor, as their affidavits of service sometimes include Social Security Numbers, particularly if they obtained employment information.
Co-Signers, Guarantors, and Business Partners
If someone co-signed or guaranteed the debt, review all documentation related to that person. Business partners of the debtor may have provided information that includes the debtor’s SSN. Check documentation related to any joint ventures, partnerships, or business relationships involving the debtor.
References and Emergency Contacts
Review any reference information provided by the debtor, including personal references, professional references, or character references. Check forms that requested emergency contact information, which sometimes include Social Security Numbers.
Section 9: Public Records
Free Online Searches You Can Perform
Several public records sources may contain Social Security Numbers and are accessible online, often at no cost.
Federal Bankruptcy Records
Search the federal bankruptcy court records through PACER (pacer.uscourts.gov). If the debtor ever filed for bankruptcy, their Social Security Number is part of the bankruptcy petition and is publicly available. PACER charges a small fee per page viewed, but the first $30 per quarter is free.
State and County Court Records
Some states and counties include Social Security Numbers in online court records, though many have redacted this information in recent years. Search your county superior court website and other courts where the debtor might have been involved in litigation. Check both civil and criminal court records.
Property and Real Estate Records
County assessor and recorder websites sometimes include Social Security Numbers in property ownership records, though this varies by county and many have removed SSNs due to privacy concerns. Search for any property the debtor owns or has owned.
Business and Professional License Records
Search your state’s Secretary of State website for business entity filings. Some states include Social Security Numbers for business owners and registered agents. Search state professional licensing board websites for any licenses held by the debtor, as some licensing databases include partial or complete SSNs.
Vital Records and Other Public Sources
If the debtor is deceased, the Social Security Death Index may list their Social Security Number. Some counties include Social Security Numbers in marriage and divorce records, though access varies by jurisdiction. Search county clerk websites for vital records that might be publicly accessible.
After Completing This Checklist
Evaluate Your Results and Next Steps
After working through this comprehensive checklist, assess what you found and determine your best path forward.
If You Found the Complete Social Security Number
Congratulations! You can now complete your WG-035 Confidential Statement of Judgment Debtor’s Social Security Number form and proceed with wage garnishment. Before using the SSN, verify it appears legitimate (nine digits in format XXX-XX-XXXX) and matches other identifying information you have about the debtor like name and date of birth.
Download the fillable WG-035 form at wg-035.com and follow the step-by-step instructions to complete it correctly. Once you file the WG-035 with your WG-001 Application for Earnings Withholding Order, the Sheriff can serve the debtor’s employer and begin wage garnishment.
If You Found a Partial Social Security Number
If you found only the last four digits of the Social Security Number, this information is helpful but insufficient for the WG-035 form. You need the complete nine-digit number. The partial SSN does confirm the debtor has a Social Security Number and can help verify accuracy when you obtain the complete number through other means.
Consider proceeding with professional SSN lookup service, as you can provide the partial number to help verify the results. Having even partial information increases the likelihood of successful lookup.
If You Did Not Find the Social Security Number
Not finding the SSN in your records is common and occurs in approximately 85 to 90 percent of cases. This does not mean collection is impossible—it simply means you need to obtain the SSN through other methods. You have several options to move forward.
Your Options Moving Forward
Professional SSN Lookup Service
Cost: $150 flat fee
Professional Social Security Number lookup performed by a Licensed California Private Investigator with legal access to investigative databases. This service provides 24 to 48 hour delivery with a 95 percent success rate when you provide accurate debtor information (name, date of birth, and address).
You receive the complete nine-digit Social Security Number, name verification, date of birth confirmation when available, and last known address. This is the fastest and most reliable method to obtain the SSN you need to complete your WG-035 form.
Requirements: You must have the judgment debtor’s full legal name, date of birth, and current or last known address.
Order at: wg-035.com/ssn-lookup-service
Contact: (916) 312-3185. or info@lancethepi.com
Try Online People Search Services
Cost: $0.95 to $49.95
Do-it-yourself option using commercial people search websites like PeopleFinders, BeenVerified, Intelius, or similar services. These services search public records and compiled databases, sometimes providing Social Security Numbers.
Success rate: Approximately 30 to 40 percent. Results are hit or miss, and many services do not include complete Social Security Numbers. However, this option is worth trying before investing in professional services, especially if you need other information like current address or phone numbers.
Best for: Customers on a tight budget who are willing to try multiple services and accept that results are not guaranteed.
Judgment Recovery Training Course
Cost: $297 one-time fee
Complete training program teaching you how to legally find Social Security Numbers yourself, along with comprehensive wage garnishment instruction and all required California forms. Learn investigative techniques used by professional private investigators, legal methods for obtaining SSNs, complete wage garnishment procedures, bank levy processes, and property lien procedures.
Includes: All forms and templates, step-by-step video instruction, lifetime access to course materials, email support, and free updates. Course students receive 20 percent off all professional services.
Best for: Judgment creditors with multiple judgments to collect, those who want to learn the complete collection process, aspiring judgment recovery professionals, and anyone interested in starting a judgment collection business.
Learn more at: wg-035.com/judgment-recovery-course
Important Legal Reminders
Proper Use of Social Security Numbers
Social Security Numbers are confidential personal information protected by federal and state privacy laws. Use any Social Security Number you obtain only for legitimate judgment collection purposes as authorized by law.
Do not share the debtor’s Social Security Number with unauthorized parties. Do not sell or distribute Social Security Number information. Do not use the SSN for purposes other than judgment collection. File the completed WG-035 form as a confidential document with the court, where it will be kept separate from the public case file.
Misuse of Social Security Number information can result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. Always handle this sensitive information with appropriate care and confidentiality.
Verify Accuracy Before Filing
If you obtain a Social Security Number through any method, verify its accuracy before using it on your WG-035 form. An incorrect SSN will cause your wage garnishment to fail and may result in garnishing the wrong person’s wages, creating significant legal liability for you.
Cross-reference the SSN with other known information about the debtor including their full legal name, date of birth, and current address. If using a professional lookup service, confirm the verification information provided matches your judgment debtor. If anything seems inconsistent or questionable, obtain additional verification before proceeding.
Need Additional Help?
Contact Information
If you have questions about this checklist, need help with judgment collection, or want to discuss your specific situation, contact Lance Casey, Licensed California Private Investigator.
Phone: (916) 312-3185.
Email: info@lancethepi.com
Website: wg-035.com
Licensed: California Private Investigator #27617
Experience: 25 plus years in judgment collection, skip tracing, and investigative services
Free Resources Available
Visit wg-035.com for comprehensive free resources including complete WG-035 form guide with step-by-step instructions, guides for all California wage garnishment forms (EJ-130, WG-001, WG-002, WG-003, WG-005), how to garnish wages in California complete process guide, downloadable fillable PDF forms, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Professional Services
SSN Lookup Service: $150—Find the judgment debtor’s Social Security Number in 24 to 48 hours
People Search Service: $79—Locate current address, date of birth, phone numbers, and other information
Judgment Recovery Course: $49—Complete training on judgment collection including SSN lookup methods
Consultation Services: Available for complex cases or questions about the collection process
Legal Disclaimer
This checklist is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for professional legal counsel. Every judgment collection case has unique circumstances and may require different approaches or legal procedures.
Consult with a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction for legal advice specific to your situation. While this checklist identifies common sources where Social Security Numbers may be found, there is no guarantee you will locate the information you need. Laws regarding access to and use of Social Security Numbers vary by jurisdiction and circumstance.
Lance Casey and wg-035.com make no warranties or representations regarding the completeness, accuracy, or currentness of the information in this checklist. Use of this checklist and any actions you take based upon it are solely at your own risk.