Hi, I have a question. I am due some inheritance from the US, but I'm a Uk citizen. I have been asked for a social security number to receive the inheritance. Is it possible to receive one without a Social Security number?

WHY do they need your SSN?

I bet they also want a ton of personal information as well.
This smells to high heaven of SCAM!!

WHY do they need your SSN ??

I bet they also want a ton of personal information as well.
This smells to high heaven of SCAM !!!

Unfortunately I don't think it's a scam. My step Grandfather seems to have left me some money in a will and I don't know why they would need a Social security number. Especially since the US doesn't tax inheritance on the Benificiary. I hope this can just be transferred to my account? I'm not sure how it would work.

Thanks.

Hmmm, I must admit this sounds like a classic scam to me.
Have you been notified by snail mail and NOT just e-mail?
A true lawyer would follow up any e-mails with proper letters, especially for something this important.

I was contacted by my Mother who was married to my Grandfathers Son. I was then contacted by the Executor of the will. It's pretty complicated, and I'm sure I could apply for a Social security number and get one as I have enough American relatives. I would rather just hope I don't have to go through that.

I suggest you speak directly with the executor about this to find out why exactly he needs an SSN from you. My guess is that the inheritance may include stocks, bonds, or other investment property, and they may need a SSN in order to transfer the property into an account with your name. However, I believe what you actually need is an Individual Tax-Payer Identification Number, not an SSN - since you are a foreign national without a resident visa you can not get an SSN. See:

Obtaining an ITIN from Abroad (http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=96690,00.html)