With a stolen SSN, criminals posing as you can: Open fraudulent credit cards and bank accounts. File or collect tax returns. Access government benefits.
Once they have your SSN, scammers can use it for numerous types of fraud — from opening bank accounts in your name to stealing your tax refund or even posing as you during police interactions. Unfortunately, Social Security number theft isn't always easy to spot.
If you are currently receiving Social Security Income (SSI), the SSA actually can check your bank account, as they have the permission to do so.
An identity thief who has your social security number and other personal information could do a number of things with it, including:
How identity theft happens
With a stolen SSN, criminals posing as you can: Open fraudulent credit cards and bank accounts. File or collect tax returns. Access government benefits.
If you think someone may be using your SSN to work, check your Social Security Personal Earnings and Benefit Statement. You can get a copy by calling 1-800-772-1213, or online at www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-7004.pdf.
Each time an individual divulges his or her SSN, the potential for a thief to illegitimately gain access to bank accounts, credit cards, driving records, tax and employment histories and other private information increases.
Get help for identity theft
If someone has used your SSN to open a new account or make a purchase: Report it at IdentityTheft.gov and find out what to do next, including obtaining an FTC Identity Theft Report and a recovery plan.
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).
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SSN verification is most commonly used in sectors where a unique identifier is required. This includes regulated industries like insurance, banks, and other financial institutions.
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Some of the worst-case scenarios linked to SSN fraud include criminals opening bank accounts under a fake or someone else's identity, using newly obtained credit cards for fraudulent transactions, or even accessing medical services and receiving huge loans, putting the businesses and their victims behind in debt.
Wherever you live and wherever you bank, you could be targeted for fraud and scams.
If your SSN is listed on the dark web, you may be vulnerable to: Financial fraud: An identity thief with your SSN may be able to open accounts, apply for credit, or make fraudulent purchases in your name. They could even get access to your existing financial accounts and steal your money directly.
Scammers use your Social Security number (SSN) to get other personal information about you. They can use your SSN and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, when they use the credit cards and don't pay the bills, it damages your credit.
Many banks, government agencies, and other financial institutions only ask for the last four digits to confirm your identity. With those four digits, plus a bit more of your personal information, scammers could open accounts, access your bank, or apply for benefits in your name.
Clues That Someone Has Stolen Your Information
Merchants refuse your checks. Debt collectors call you about debts that aren't yours. You find unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report. Medical providers bill you for services you didn't use.
Even children often have their Social Security number stolen, and credit monitoring services rarely help victims much. According to statistics provided to NBC News by the nonprofit Identity Theft Resource Center, there were 1,857 new data breaches in 2024 that included Americans' Social Security numbers.
An identity thief could try to use your Social Security number to do things like open accounts, take out a loan, file taxes, or get a job.
Spot the Warning Signs
An indication that your SIN is being used fraudulently could be if the Canada Revenue Agency sends you a Notice of Reassessment concerning undeclared earnings. This may mean that someone has used your SIN for employment purposes or to receive other taxable income.
Stolen Social Security numbers can be used to request government benefits like Medicare, Medicaid, and unemployment benefits. One way a victim will know their SSN has been improperly used is through mail correspondence. In some cases, victims will receive related documentation to the fraudulent benefits request.
If you are a victim of identity theft, place fraud alerts or security freezes on your credit reports, file a report at IdentityTheft.gov, and take steps to protect your credit history and finances.