Fact Check: is obama's social security number from a different state than hawaii

Is Obama's Social Security Number from a Different State than Hawaii?

Introduction

The claim that former President Barack Obama's Social Security number (SSN) originates from a state other than Hawaii has circulated in various forms, often linked to broader conspiracy theories about his citizenship and eligibility for the presidency. This claim specifically focuses on the first three digits of Obama's SSN, which some assert indicate it was issued in Connecticut rather than Hawaii, where Obama was born and raised.

What We Know

1. Social Security Number Structure: The first three digits of a Social Security number are known as the "area number," which is assigned based on the geographic location of the applicant at the time of issuance. For example, numbers starting with "042" were issued in Connecticut between 1977 and 1979 18.

2. Obama's SSN: Barack Obama's SSN is reported to be 042-68-4425. This number was issued in March 1977, when Obama was 15 years old and living in Hawaii 15.

3. Claims of Fraud: Some conspiracy theories allege that Obama's SSN was stolen from a deceased individual named Jean Paul Ludwig, who was born in 1890 and died in Hawaii. These claims suggest that Obama illegally used Ludwig's SSN 610.

4. Verification Attempts: Various fact-checking sources have attempted to verify the authenticity of Obama's SSN and its issuance. For instance, the Florida Times-Union reported that Obama's SSN does not match that of any deceased individual, including Ludwig 4.

5. Official Responses: The state of Hawaii has consistently refuted claims regarding Obama's SSN, stating that the number aligns with his residency in Hawaii at the time it was issued 7.

Analysis

The claim that Obama's SSN is from a different state than Hawaii relies heavily on the interpretation of the area number. Critics of this claim highlight that the number's issuance in Connecticut does not necessarily imply that Obama lived there at the time; rather, it could reflect administrative practices of the Social Security Administration during that period.

Source Evaluation

• Wikipedia: The articles on Barack Obama's citizenship and eligibility litigation provide a broad overview of the conspiracy theories surrounding his presidency. While Wikipedia can be a useful starting point, it is important to cross-reference the information with primary sources due to the potential for bias and inaccuracies in user-generated content 23.

• Fact-Checking Websites: Sources like Snopes and the Florida Times-Union are generally considered reliable for debunking misinformation. They utilize documented evidence and expert opinions to assess claims, making them credible sources for this topic 46.

• News Outlets: The Christian Science Monitor and The Week provide journalistic coverage of the issue, but their perspectives may be influenced by editorial slants. It is essential to consider the context in which they report on conspiracy theories 79.

• Anonymous Sources: Some claims originate from anonymous sources or unverifiable anecdotes, which raises questions about their reliability and the motivations behind them. For instance, assertions made by private investigators without transparency can lead to skepticism 9.

Methodology Concerns

The methodology behind claims regarding Obama's SSN often lacks rigorous verification. Many assertions are based on anecdotal evidence or misinterpretations of Social Security Administration practices. A more thorough investigation would require access to official records from the Social Security Administration and corroboration from multiple independent sources.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that Barack Obama's Social Security number originates from a state other than Hawaii is false. Key evidence supporting this conclusion includes the fact that Obama's SSN, reported as 042-68-4425, was issued in March 1977 when he was living in Hawaii. Additionally, fact-checking sources, including the Florida Times-Union, have confirmed that Obama's SSN does not match that of any deceased individual, including the person alleged to have had their number stolen.

It is important to note that while the area number of a Social Security number can indicate the state of issuance, it does not definitively prove residency at that time. The state of Hawaii has consistently affirmed the legitimacy of Obama's SSN, further undermining the claims of fraud.

However, limitations in the available evidence exist, as the full administrative practices of the Social Security Administration during the 1970s are not entirely transparent. This lack of clarity can lead to misunderstandings about how SSNs were assigned.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the sources of claims, especially those that may be rooted in conspiracy theories.

Sources

1. Why wasn't this vetted in 2008? - law.gov.narkive.com. Link
2. Barack Obama citizenship conspiracy theories - Wikipedia. Link
3. Barack Obama presidential eligibility litigation - Wikipedia. Link
4. Fact Check: Obama's SSN not the same as dead man - Florida Times-Union. Link
5. Still seeking an explanation for Obama's SSN 042-68-4425 - Sonoran News. Link
6. Did Barack Obama Steal His Social Security Number? - Snopes. Link
7. Hawaii slams door on 'birthers,' who turn to Obama Social Security number - Christian Science Monitor. Link
8. SSN Lookup By State and Year | SSN-Verify.com. Link
9. Birthers' new fixation: Obama's Social Security number? - The Week. Link
10. Barack Obama's Social Security Number Actually Belonged to a ... - Truth or Fiction. Link