am new so decided i had to bite the bullet a bit without references. gave full name, work info and ssn for background check and then emails went silent. they were very flirty before then! maybe i'm just being paranoid but something feels off....

My screening requirements are pretty stringent, but wtf? Your social? Dude.

Under no circumstances would any reputable provider or screening service ask for your SSN. You got scammed. Yes, you should be concerned about identity theft. Good luck!

it felt like too much info but im a newb so what am i supposed to do you know?

to read the self help center.  There you will find all the necessary rules and regs for safe navigation of this site and the hobby.  It was a BIG mistake to give out your SSN, do not do it again!!!!  Now you need to keep close attention to all your personal accounts so you don't get hacked or scammed.

DANGER!  DANGER!  DANGER!!!    
You just set yourself up for Identity theft.  I think you should put a fraud alert on your banks accounts & credit reports.  Get your income taxes in NOW...  a lot of tax return fraud going on.   If anyone asks, you got scammed over the phone...

Well there's no way to take it back, I suppose. Just know for the future, I can't think of a single reputable provider who requires a social. Hopefully someone here has some knowledge on how you can take some steps to protect yourself from identity theft.  

Read the self help section, Link by the life preserver.  Then read back on this board until you can answer every question without looking.  THEN come back here & we'll gladly answer any questions you have.  

with being a hobby newbie! Who in the hell gives out their SSN to a stranger??!!
With all the info out there saying to never give out your SSN, and all the info about scams and ID theft, what in the hell were you thinking? There are very very few entities you should give your SSN to. That includes your employer, some banks, and a few government agencies

companies that monitor and help protect you from identity theft asap.  

sent you a pm with the link. Wait till Monday afternoon and be in debt up to your eyeballs if you have good credit now.

Desi, I was just thinking about you, my love!

Very unwise. Alert all of the credit agencies, credit card companies and monitor your report.  Sheesh dude,

Anyone reading many of the board posts, might be hesitant to ask for advice, even here.  
Am I exaggerating?  Read all the previous responses again.  Even some who gave advice, found a way to throw in a little slam.  

You make this old broad think and you continue to impress me with your wise, beautiful soul. Thank you for all of those things. Tonight, I thank you for putting a big smile on my face.

If guys were forceful it is because he needed to (he should have already) taken immediate action to protect himself.   We are not being MEAN.  
Trust your gut.  He said he felt something feels off...  he's right.

I did not think I was mean. I had my CC number passed around in ATL. years ago. Was still liable for a small amount but I had insurance from someone other than the CC company. They hider a person to pursue it and recovered their money from the stores that took the card. Lucky it was the end of a billing cycle and I found it only 5 days in. I know times have changed but noy all is for the good. Luck to him.