> Indeed, a social security number is pretty much the only additional piece of data to the stuff above that one would need to open up a bank account in someone else's name

I am not from the US, but is this really all you need to "proof" your identity?

The most common thing I have seen in the EU when companies have a KYC requirement is that during the sign up process you will have a quick video call where you have show your ID card while they verify that your ID is legit.