Providing your Social Security Number (SSN) carries significant risks, primarily identity theft, which can lead to fraudulent credit accounts, drained bank accounts, fake tax returns, and the creation of fraudulent identities. Because it is a key identifier, its misuse can cause severe financial, legal, and credit-related damages, often discovered only after considerable damage is done.
You should be careful about sharing your number, even when you're asked for it. You should ask why your number is needed, how it'll be used, and what will happen if you refuse. The answers to these questions can help you decide if you want to give out your SSN.
An identity thief who has your social security number and other personal information could do a number of things with it, including: Open new credit accounts, like credit cards or car loans, in your name. Claim tax refunds that rightfully belong to you. Create a fake identity to get a job, apartment, or other services.
An organization's collection and use of SSNs can increase the risk of identity theft and fraud. 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.
How identity theft happens
To send your Social Security Number (SSN) safely, avoid standard email/text; use secure online portals, encrypted file sharing (like password manager features or dedicated services with expiring links), or password managers for sharing; and always verify the recipient's legitimacy, providing the SSN in person or via phone call if digital methods aren't possible, never over an unencrypted message.
Warning Signs of Identity Theft
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.
Unfortunately, yes. 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.
Sometimes you will have to share your number. For example, when you get a job, rent an apartment, open a bank account, or apply for a credit card, you may need to share your Social Security number.
Financial identity (ID) theft is the most common type of identity theft. However, ID theft can happen in many forms. Early detection is key to minimizing damage when your personal information is stolen. There are measures you can take to help better protect yourself and your personal information.
After identity theft, the three most crucial steps are: 1) Report it to the FTC (and get a recovery plan), 2) Contact companies where fraud occurred to freeze/close accounts & change passwords, and 3) Place a fraud alert/freeze on your credit reports with the three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to prevent new accounts from being opened.
You can lock your Social Security number (SSN) primarily through the myE-Verify service to prevent its use in employment verification, or get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS to block fraudulent tax filings, but you cannot "freeze" your SSN entirely, so also consider freezing your credit reports with the three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) for broader identity theft protection.
Spot the Warning Signs
Yes, you should take steps to "lock" or protect your Social Security Number (SSN) by using free services like credit freezes and SSN locks (like E-Verify Self Lock), and by being cautious about sharing it, as this significantly helps prevent employment fraud, tax scams, and unauthorized access to accounts. While no single lock stops all identity theft, combining freezes, locks, monitoring your accounts, and limiting SSN disclosure offers strong defense against fraudsters using your SSN for loans, jobs, or benefits.
Yes, you can change your Social Security number (SSN), but only in specific, serious situations like being a victim of identity theft with ongoing issues, harassment, abuse (including domestic violence), or for certain religious/cultural reasons, requiring an in-person application at a Social Security office with extensive documentation proving your need and identity. Simply losing your card or wanting a different number isn't usually enough; you need to demonstrate ongoing harm or threat that the original number can't resolve, as your old and new numbers remain linked to your earnings record.