I still think the lazy/greedy line is a bit strong. It just isn't the accurate label for most people who have done this. They are desperate and/or naïve, not generally lazy or greedy.
Agreed. While I don't know how many followed through, every single one that asked me about it was more on the naive side than greedy/lazy. It stems from ignorance and the dozens of success stories they heard in the coffee room the day before.
Also plenty people have your social besides spouse and financial institution.
Employer, college, everyone in the medical field you ever went to, insurance agency, anyone doing a background check (before working with kids, government agencies, applying for a gun, car lease, landlord....)
Likely hundreds have access and can be just as unscrupulous (and they have).