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).
There is NO COST to place or lift a security freeze. For more information, see detailed instructions entitled “Placing a Security Freeze on Your Credit Report to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft” below. 5. Review your credit reports carefully.
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.
Do not routinely carry your SSN. Never say your SSN aloud in public. Beware of phishing scams (emails, internet links, and phone calls) trying to trick you into revealing personal information. Create a personal my Social Security account to help you keep track of your records and identify any suspicious activity.
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.
Consider a free security freeze
If you are the parent or legal guardian of a child under 16, you can place a security freeze on their credit reports. You'll need to provide proof of your identity and theirs and proof that you are their parent or legal guardian.
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.
Fraud alerts can help you protect yourself from identity thieves. Place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting the fraud department of a major credit bureau such as Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.
Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 1-800-908-4490 or visit them online, if you believe someone is using your SSN to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes.
Should you get a new SSN? If you've done all you can to fix the problems resulting from misuse of your SSN, and someone is still using your number, we may assign you a new number. You can't get a new SSN: If your SSN card is lost or stolen, but there's no evidence that someone is using your number.
You can't put a freeze on your Social Security number the same way you can freeze your credit, but aside from blocking electronic access to your SSN, there are other ways to guard your information.
—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 ...
Locking your Social Security number helps prevent thieves from using your personal information against you or to commit fraud. Even if they access your SSN, they won't be able to use it to change certain government records or employment.
When your SSN and other personal information is leaked on the Dark Web, cybercriminals may use those details to steal your identity. They could go as far as getting a job in your name. Commit tax fraud.
Social Security card loss or theft.
The three nationwide consumer reporting agencies - Equifax®, TransUnion® and Experian® - offer fraud alerts and security freezes, which can all be activated to help better protect against fraudulent credit or loan applications.
A credit freeze doesn't help protect against fraud aimed at your existing accounts. You still need to be vigilant in checking those accounts to make sure you made all the transactions. Some people consider it a hassle, because you have to contact each of the three major credit bureaus individually.
If you don't already have an IP PIN, you may get an IP PIN as a proactive step to protect yourself from tax-related identity theft. Anyone with an SSN or an ITIN can get an IP PIN including individuals living abroad.
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.
Self Lock is the unique feature that lets you protect your identity in E-Verify and Self Check by placing a "lock" in E-Verify on your Social Security number (SSN). This helps prevent anyone else from using your SSN for an E-Verify case.
1. Contact the three credit bureaus. The credit reporting agencies do not knowingly maintain credit files on minor children. You can find out if your child may be a victim of identity theft by contacting the three major credit bureaus.
Regularly check your credit report for anything unusual. Free credit reports are available online at AnnualCreditReport.com. Contact the IRS to prevent someone else from using your Social Security number to file a tax return to receive your refund. Visit Identity Theft Central or call 1-800-908-4490.