verify your identity: why now?

You will need to identify yourself to the financial provider in compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act and other banking and financial and anti-terror regulations, or will be “de-banked”; will no longer gave access to the service.

This includes providing your taxpayer identification number. That’s usually a social security number.

“To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. What this means for you: When you open an account, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to identify you. We may also ask to see your driver's license or other identifying documents.”

Verify your identity for Apple Card or Apple Cash - Apple Support

One of many previous discussions: Apple cash - Apple Community

John Barkdull1 wrote:

Why did Apple Cash work fine for so long and is now asking for this information?

When you use Apple Cash, you might be prompted to verify your identity again, even if you have previously done so.

Verify your identity for Apple Card or Apple Cash - Apple Support

And why is Apple (if that's who this is) asking for my full SSN instead of the last four digits, as stated on the support page?

We will ask for at least the last four digits of your Social Security number, and we may ask for the full nine digits of your Social Security number, to identify you when you register your Apple Cash Account.

https://applecash.greendot.com/termsconditions/#tandc

My recommendation is to contact Apple Cash directly. They may be able to offer additional information and confirm the verification message you received. Do not give them your full Social Security number over the phone, the only place that should be entered is on a verification screen where it is sent securely. You may have been able to use Apple Cash services w/o a SS# until a dollar amount threshold had been reached and now you will not be able to continue without that verification. Apple is not a bank and does not use your SS#, but Apple Cash is administered by Green Dot bank and that is who requires the information to comply with the US Patriots Act and the Know your Customer (KYC) regulations placed on banking institutions.

Contact Green Dot Bank by calling (877) 233-8552

It’s possible a recent transaction or transfer aroused the suspicion of the algorithm the issuing bank uses to detect fraud etc. Does the Apple Cash card in your Wallet app say your account is locked, suspended or under review? If so contact Green Dot Bank.

Apple Cash is serviced and issued by Green Dot Bank. Please contact an Apple Cash Specialist at Green Dot Bank. 

Contact Green Dot Bank:

• by calling (877) 233-8552,
• by mail for disputes at P.O. Box 9, West Chester, Ohio,
• by mail for general customer service at P.O. Box 1070, West Chester, Ohio 45071,
• visit www.greendot.com

https://applecash.greendot.com/termsconditions/