Will Epic Games ask for SSN?

Will Epic Games Ask for SSN?

In recent times, Epic Games, the developers of popular games like Fortnite and Rocket League, has been making headlines for its strict verification process. One of the most frequently asked questions by gamers is whether Epic Games will ask for Social Security Number (SSN) during account creation or login. In this article, we will delve into the details of Epic Games’ verification process and explore the reasons behind it.

Direct Answer:
Yes, Epic Games will ask for SSN in the United States, but only for players who are above 18 years old. However, this information is only required for players living in the United States and will not be asked from players in other countries. This verification process is a security measure to ensure that players are who they claim to be and to prevent minors from accessing mature content.

Why Does Epic Games Need Identity Verification?
Epic Games needs identity verification to ensure that the person creating the account is, in fact, an adult. Since the Social Security Number or credit/debit card information will provide irrefutable proof of age, it is a failsafe mechanic, for the most part. This helps to prevent minors from creating accounts and accessing mature content, which is not suitable for their age group.

Types of Verification Methods:
Epic Games offers two types of verification methods:

• Credit or Debit Card: This method is available globally and requires players to enter their credit or debit card information to verify their identity.
• Social Security Number (SSN): This method is available only in the United States and requires players to enter their Social Security Number to verify their identity.

Benefits of Verification:

• Prevents minors from accessing mature content: By verifying the age of players, Epic Games ensures that minors do not have access to mature content, which is not suitable for their age group.
• Prevents account creation by bots and fake identities: Verification helps to prevent the creation of fake identities and bots, which can be used to cheat or cause harm to other players.
• Enhances player safety: Verification helps to ensure that players are who they claim to be, which enhances player safety and reduces the risk of online harassment.

Consequences of Not Providing SSN:
If you are a player living in the United States and refuse to provide your Social Security Number, you will not be able to create an account or access certain features of the game. This includes the inability to access mature content, join multiplayer games, or use certain features.

How to Unlink Social Account from Epic Games:
If you still want to unlink your social account from Epic Games, you can follow these steps:

• Verify your email address: Make sure you have verified your email address to ensure that you can access your account.
• Visit your Connected Accounts page: Go to your account settings and click on the "Connected Accounts" page.
• Click REMOVE: Click the "REMOVE" button next to the social account you want to unlink.

Can Your Epic Account Get Hacked?
Yes, your Epic account can get hacked if you do not take proper precautions. Epic advises all its players to turn on 2FA to add an additional layer of protection to their accounts. Once an account has been breached, hackers can change the email and password associated with it, posting it on a website that sells accounts for a hefty price.

Why Epic Games Needs Payment Information:
Epic Games needs payment information to process in-game purchases and subscriptions. This information is not used for any other purpose, and Epic Games ensures that it is stored securely.

Table: Epic Games’ Verification Process

In conclusion, Epic Games does ask for SSN in the United States, but only for players who are above 18 years old. The verification process is a security measure to ensure that players are who they claim to be and to prevent minors from accessing mature content. By understanding the reasons behind Epic Games’ verification process, players can take proper precautions to ensure the safety and security of their accounts.