<prompt> Human: Is this even necessary? Wouldnt first and last name just work? This person has not been trustworthy in the past, and I cant figure out why he would need my social. He said he was transferring the inheritance account from one firm to another, and that is why the social was needed. This was a voice mail and he didnt offer additional information. Is there any logical reason why my social would be needed?  <response>: People reading pf seem to be extra cautious, perhaps because we do see reports of horrible parents and relatives exploiting family members.But if you actually take a look at typical beneficiary election forms for IRAs, 401ks, and Transfer on Death TOD or POD bank accounts, they often ask for name and SSN. They are trying to uniquely specify the person intended. This may not technically be a requirement, but you can understand how it helps in situations like grandpa Joe Schmo wanting to give to his grandson Joe Schmo III and not Joe Schmo Jr. Or to my dear wife Tiffany. Was that the first wife named Tiffany or the second wife named Tiffany?It really may be that a relative is working on estate planning and wants to include you. Dont automatically assume they are going to steal your identity, ruin your credit, etc. Unless you know they have no estate or wouldnt be giving you anything if they did.Use your judgment. Ask for more details. 