9 was a nearly universal code indicating a blank/null numeric field. A decade or so later, when the code was changed to two digits, as was reported earlier in this thread, notice that the 9 for “not stated” became, wonder of wonders, 99!
Ask anybody who worked in computer programming, coding, keypunching, etc., back in the days of punched cards and magnetic tape. 9 was filler for a numeric field that could not be left blank but for which there was no data supplied.
When, for example, a person didn’t have a social security number but a computer program required a number to be in that field, 999999999 was the social security number and it meant, guess what? There wasn’t a number to put in so we filled it with 9s.
That’s why when the race field was left blank on that birth certificate, Verna coded it 9. When the type of business was left blank, Verna coded it 9. It’s simple. It’s common knowledge among people old enough to know and remember.
Don’t insult the woman by saying she’s old and forgot. When you spend hours and hours, day in and day out, for years, coding stuff like this, you don’t “forget”. Zullo is a detective and has been in law enforcement for years. He knows how to investigate and he’s smart enough to make sure before he makes allegations. Prosecutors make sure to keep cops on their toes.
Exactly, and they are still doing it ( as of a few years ago ). A few years ago, my father applied for Social Security. They initially denied his payments saying he made too much that year - specifically $999,999.99 .
Ask anybody who worked in computer programming, coding, keypunching, etc., back in the days of punched cards and magnetic tape. 9 was filler for a numeric field that could not be left blank but for which there was no data supplied.
When, for example, a person didn’t have a social security number but a computer program required a number to be in that field, 999999999 was the social security number and it meant, guess what? There wasn’t a number to put in so we filled it with 9s.
That’s why when the race field was left blank on that birth certificate, Verna coded it 9. When the type of business was left blank, Verna coded it 9. It’s simple. It’s common knowledge among people old enough to know and remember."
Exactly, it's the younger generation kids that don't know of, or understand this concept.
Speaking of SSN's and 9's:
Who Gets 999 Social Security Numbers?History
For SSNs assigned before 1972, the first three numbers reflect the state where you applied for the number. After 1972, the first three digits reflect the zip code in the mailing address on your application for the SSN.Facts
The Social Security Administration has never issued a number in the 800 or 900 range. Therefore, a number beginning in 999 is not valid.Misconceptions
Some universities have assigned nine-digit "temporary" Social Security numbers to post-graduate foreign nationals beginning with 999. The temporary number is designed to be replaced once the graduate student has received a valid SSN.Considerations
A number beginning in 999 may be an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This number is also nine digits, and it always begins with the number nine.Warning
If you're given a 999 Social Security number, consider it a fraudulent number. The Social Security Administration maintains the Social Security Number Verification Service to help verify fraudulent numbers."
And hey...check that out. A segue into Barry's fraudulent SSN!