42 U.S.C. Sec. 408(A)(7)(A) USE OF A FALSELY OBTAINED SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER ELEMENT is a United States federal law that makes it a criminal offense to use, possess, or traffic in an individual’s Social Security number that has been obtained or used through false representation or fraud. Under this legislation, it is illegal to use, possess, or create a false Social Security number in order to obtain anything of value, or to commit any crime. This law applies to both individuals and businesses, and violations can result in civil and criminal penalties. There are two types of 42 U.S.C. Sec. 408(A)(7)(A) USE OF A FALSELY OBTAINED SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER ELEMENT: criminal and civil. Criminal violations of this law are punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine, or both. Civil violations are punishable by fines of up to $5,000 for each offense. Additionally, businesses that violate this law could face additional fines and other penalties.