You can call the SSA to lock your SSN. Contact them at 1-800-772-1213, and make sure you have additional proof of your identity when you speak to them. Additional forms of identification could include a driver's license or passport.
How to get an IP PIN. The fastest way to receive an IP PIN is to request one through your Online Account. If you don't already have an account on IRS.gov, you must register to validate your identity. Spouses and dependents are eligible for an IP PIN if they can pass the identity verification process.
To block electronic access to your SSN, you have to call your local Social Security office or 1-800-772-1213. Finally, you can turn on the SSN Self Lock online via the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) “myE-Verify” website.
If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).
Identity thieves who get their hands on your SSN can use it to get a job in your name, rack up credit card debt against your credit score and to steal your tax refund. To stop cybercriminals in their tracks, you may want to lock your Social Security number.
You can lock your Social Security number—sometimes referred to as freezing your SSN—in a couple of ways. The easiest way to lock your SSN is by calling the Social Security Administration to block electronic access. Or, you can apply a Self Lock on E-Verify to stop anyone from using your SSN to apply for a job.
Identity Theft: If you think an identity thief is using your SSN to work or to collect benefits, call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. If you think someone may be using your SSN to work, check your Social Security Personal Earnings and Benefit Statement.
Enter your IP PIN(s) as applicable in the boxes marked "Identity Protection PIN" in signature area of the Form 1040 tax return. If married and filing a joint return, see Question 6 above. You don't need to enter an IP PIN for your dependent(s) when filing a paper tax return.
You can access free copies of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. It's important to check all three reports (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) as lenders sometimes only report to one or two of the credit reporting agencies.
If you believe someone is defrauding social security disability, you should file a report with the SSA immediately. Reports can be filed online with the Office of the Inspector General, or you can call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 800-269-0271. You can choose to file a confidential or anonymous report.
A masked SSN is an alternative to using the complete SSN, IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or IRS Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN). The masked SSN displays only the last four digits of an individual's identifying number and is shown in the format XXX-XX-1234 or ***-**-1234.
Don't ever give out your Social Security number or any other personal information to someone you don't know who initiates contact with you by phone, e-mail or in person: For example, if you receive an e-mail that claims that you must provide personal information to claim a refund from the IRS, it's a scam.
Go to the website of any of the three major credit bureaus and select that you want to add a fraud alert. Note: You only need to do it at one credit bureau. Once you place the fraud alert at any of the three bureaus, they automatically notify the other two.
Social Security Number Services are Always Free.
There is no federal reserve bank that your social security number is linked to. A claim otherwise is a scam. The only accounts at the Fed are for member banks.
Lock Your Social Security Number
To block electronic access to your SSN, call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213. Once you've made your request, any automated telephone and electronic access to your Social Security file is blocked.
Order your Social Security Statement.
You can create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount to view your statement online. Alternatively, you can print, complete, and send Form SSA-7004 to submit your request by mail. However, be aware that receiving your information this way can take 4–6 weeks.
—A private entity described in the subsection (a) that willfully publishes, discloses, or makes known in any manner, or to any extent not authorized by Federal law, any information obtained under this section shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both, for each such unauthorized ...
The Social Security Administration does allow you to change your number, but only under limited circumstances, such as identity theft or if your safety is in danger. You will also need to supply appropriate documentation to support your application for a new number.
Other times, they say your bank account is about to be seized and offer to assist in fraud prevention (often, that involves putting your money on gift cards and giving them the codes, which is a sure sign of a fraud scheme). Here's what you need to know: Your Social Security number cannot be suspended.