Keep your Social Security card in a secure location like a safe deposit box at a bank or a fireproof home safe, not your wallet, as it's a crucial identity document. For added security, memorize your number, keep digital scans in an encrypted vault, and only carry the card if absolutely necessary, following Social Security Administration guidelines to "Guard Your Card".
Keep your social security card locked up in a safe at home. Don't carry it around with you in your wallet, as that's an easy way to have it, and your identity, stolen.
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.
We suggest you keep your card in a safe place, as you would any important document. Will SSA share any information with others? No. We keep strictly confidential all information you provide for a Social Security number and do not disclose it except as provided for under the law.
Keep these types of records in a safe deposit box or a fireproof, waterproof, burglar-proof home safe—with a list of the contents of the box in your home file. Due to the danger of identity theft consider destroying any documents you decide that are out-dated and should be discarded.
PRACTICES TO AVOID
Don't carry your Social Security card or number in your wallet or purse. Keep your card somewhere safe at home. Never give your personal information to someone who calls you and asks for it. Thieves can try to trick you into giving them all or part of your number online or on the phone.
Do not laminate your card. Lamination prevents detection of many security features. However, you may cover the card with plastic or other removable material if it does not damage the card.
Not only should you never carry your Social Security card in your wallet or purse, but you should also rarely give out your Social Security number. The more you give out your Social Security number, the more at risk it is of falling into the wrong hands.
How identity theft happens
What You Shouldn't Store
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.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recommends that you do not laminate your card, despite the fact that it is a valuable identification document. Let's explore why this is so and what your options are for safeguarding your Social Security card.
" Do not laminate your card. Lamination prevents detection of many security features. However, you may cover the card with plastic or other removable material if it does not damage the card. "
Carrying your Social Security Card puts you at unnecessary risk if your wallet is lost or stolen. Even though you may need your physical Social Security card in select scenarios, in most cases, it's perfectly sufficient to provide your number (or the last four digits) verbally.
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.
Suggest the card holder cover the card with plastic or other material that can be removed without damaging the card if they feel the need to protect it. Do not routinely solicit a new application for a replacement card because an SSN card is laminated.
To stop someone from using your Social Security Number (SSN), freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, use the SSA's "eServices block" for online access, and consider the "E-Verify Self Lock" for employment fraud; additionally, file a report with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov and monitor your credit reports closely for any unauthorized activity.
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.
An IP PIN is a six-digit number issued by the IRS to help prevent others from filing fraudulent tax returns in your name using your Social Security number or ITIN. The fastest way to get an IP PIN is through an IRS online account. You can sign up for a one-time IP PIN or to have them sent to you every year.