It is the key to a lot of your personal information. With your name and SSN, an identity thief could open new credit and bank accounts, rent an apartment, or even get a job.
If someone uses your SSN to obtain credit, loans, telephone accounts, or other goods and services, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC collects complaints about identity theft from those whose identities have been stolen.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If You Gave a Scammer Your Personal Information
Go to IdentityTheft.gov to see what steps to take, including how to monitor your credit. Did you give a scammer your username and password? Create a new, strong password. If you use the same password anywhere else, change it there, too.
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.
That's why you should freeze your credit files: It's a free and easy way to protect yourself from identity theft and to keep hackers and scammers out of your bank account. And while this latest breach isn't an urgent concern, big security scares like this tend to attract scammers who prey on the anxious.
Cybersecurity firm Pentester has launched a tool online for you to see if you were part of the breach. Go to npd.pentester.com, then enter your first and last name and birth year for a list of breached accounts, including the last four digits of the leaked Social Security numbers.
Report your stolen SSN to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Once your SSN has been found on the dark web, you should report it as stolen to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Notifying the FTC will result in receiving personalized steps based on your situation.
Social Security Number Services are Always Free.
Anyone with an SSN or an ITIN can get an IP PIN including individuals living abroad.
Submit a Social Security fraud report
Gather as much information as you can before calling them at 1-800-269-0271 or making a report online. You'll want to be able to describe the fraud, provide a location if applicable, and explain how the fraud was committed.
With just your name and address:
Scammers can find enough information to target you with phishing emails or direct mail.
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.
You also can lock your SSN by visiting the Department of Homeland Security's myE-Verify website. Activating the site's Self Lock feature can stop someone from using your SSN for employment fraud. Keep in mind that you're not able to "freeze" your SSN, meaning that it can't be used at all.
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. Order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
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.
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.
Check your credit reports and bank statements
If fraudsters are using your stolen SSN, it will most likely show up on your credit reports and bank or credit card statements. If your SSN has been leaked, you'll want to keep a close eye on your financial accounts.
To verify your identity and tax return status, call us at 800-908-4490. We can't give your refund status or other tax information at this number. For tax account answers, call 800-829-1040. To verify your notice or letter, search for it online or call us at 800-829-1040.