Why do Class Action Lawsuits need your SSN?

[coolVariable]

Received 2 class action settlement notices (for seperate lawsuits) recently.
Both forms are asking for the SSN which makes me hesitant to fill out the form.

Any way to check whether they are real?
Should I provide the SSN or not?

 

[randay]

I can let you know whether they are legit or not, I just need you to fill out this form...

 

[spidey07]

So there's no duplicate entries/claims.

 

[JS80]

So they can steal your identity.

 

[Nik]

Originally posted by: JS80
So they can steal your identity.

:laugh:

 

[DaveSimmons]

... which will lead to another class action lawsuit:

"Did lawyers steal your identity between July 7, 2004 and August 21, 2009? ..."

 

[artemicion]

Couple things you could do to verify that they're legit:

1) look up the attorneys for the plaintiff. do some research to make sure that they, and their firm, are real. call the firm (don't use the number in the mailing, try to find it in the yellow pages or something). find out the attorneys' names. find out which state they are barred in. contact the bar to make sure they're legit. if they are legit double-check the mailing address for everything to make sure they're going to the right place.

2) look up the court that the case was before. make sure that the case exists. either call the court itself or look online. ask where you can get information on settlement claims.