Do not give your Social Security number (SSN) to anyone who calls or emails you unexpectedly, even if they claim to be from a bank or government agency. Avoid providing it to schools, landlords, medical offices, sports clubs, or for services like gym memberships, utility setup, or loyalty cards.
An identity thief who has your social security number and other personal information could do a number of things with it, including:
If you're asked for your Social Security number, ask if you can show another form of identification or use another number instead. Never give out your Social Security number when shopping online. Do not give out your Social Security number over the phone if someone calls you.
How identity theft happens
What can someone do with your phone number?
You need an SSN to get a job, collect Social Security benefits, and receive certain government services. Your employer will ask for your SSN to report your wages. Although many other businesses, such as banks and credit companies, also ask for your number, you aren't required to provide it.
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.
With a stolen SSN, criminals posing as you can: Open fraudulent credit cards and bank accounts. File or collect tax returns.
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.
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.
Examples of When You're Legally Required To Provide Your SSN. In the United States, certain agencies — like the IRS, Social Security Administration, and state tax authorities — can legally ask for your SSN. Employers need SSNs to report wages to the IRS and state tax authorities.
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. To check if someone is using your number for work purposes, review your Social Security work history by creating an account at socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
You are not generally required to provide your SSN during traffic stops unless there is a specific and articulable reason related to the incident that requires it, such as a suspicion involving financial crimes or identity theft where your SSN would be pertinent.
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.
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.
There's no cost to place or lift a credit freeze, and it doesn't affect your credit score. You don't have to wait for your Social Security number or other information to be exposed in a data breach or misused by an identity thief to get a credit freeze.
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.
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.