Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) Practice Exam

The recommended practice for employee Social Security Number (SSN) verification involves conducting a background check. This method helps in ensuring that the SSN provided by the employee is accurate and is associated with the right individual. Background checks typically include a variety of verification processes, including checking the SSN against governmental databases, which can help to confirm the legitimacy of the number.

Utilizing a background check goes beyond merely looking at the number itself; it also assesses other relevant data that may reveal discrepancies or issues, such as if the individual has a history of identity theft or if their SSN has been flagged for any reason. Although background checks are not mandated by law for SSN verification, they are a widely accepted best practice to mitigate risks associated with potential identity fraud.

In contrast, fingerprinting, while useful for certain identity verification processes, is not typically utilized for SSN verification specifically. Documented employment history provides context about an individual's previous work experience but does not verify the accuracy of their SSN. Verification through an employer is mainly relevant when dealing with existing employees and does not address the initial verification process for a new hire.