Just enter the 1098-T with the correct SS#. What you enter is not sent to the IRS and is only used to fill out the tuition credit form (it checks a box saying you got a 1098-T).
Yes, your chances of hearing from the IRS go up, but it's easily explained if you do. Ideally, you get a corrected 1098-T, but you already tried that. BTW, colleges are notorious for refusing to correct the 1098-T. It's too much bother and they know it's simply not important.
The 1098-T is only an informational document. The numbers on it are not required to be entered onto your tax return. However receipt of a 1098-T frequently means you are either eligible for a tuition credit or possibly your student has taxable scholarship income.
If you claim the tuition credit, you do need to report that you got one or that you qualify for an exception.
You claim the tuition credit, or report scholarship income, based on your own financial records, not the 1098-T.
