It is estimated that false identification fraud costs government and industry $24 billion annually. In addition to their use by illegal aliens, individuals use SSN cards to obtain program benefits, tax refunds, credit, and other benefits illegally. The most common SSN fraud involves the use of another person's SSN, a false SSN, or one obtained with false documentation to obtain benefits, cash others' checks, or file false income tax returns. Investigative priority should be given to cases involving large sums of money or otherwise impacting government regulations and operations. The investigator can determine if the SSN is being used fraudulently by determining the validity of the SSN, querying the Social Security Administration Master Beneficiary Record, obtaining a Numident or SS-5, and obtaining a benefit estimate. Other techniques include controlled purchases, search and seizure, surveillance, subpoenas, and undercover operations. Tables provide information on the geographical and chronological distribution of SSN's.