https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110201060

One or more of the following security features appear on SSN cards issued since 10/31/1983:

• Tamper-proof background

• Color-shifting ink

• Intaglio printing in some areas on the front of the card

• Latent image on the face of the card visible only when viewed at specific angles

• Red fluorescent nine-digit alphanumeric number on back (beginning February 1996)

• Intaglio microtext in signature line (when magnified, the line is actually letters spelling out SOCIAL SECURITY)

• Yellow, pink, and blue planchettes (small discs) randomly displayed on the front and back of the card

• Anti-copy pattern that is discernable when the card is photocopied

• For original cards, a dash in each column on the same line as the SSN

• Date the card is issued [i.e., Cycle Date (CYD) from the Numident] is printed under the signature line on the face of the card (beginning April 2007).