Protecting Your Social Security Number from Identity Theft
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 3, 2023
Every year, millions of Americans become victims of identity theft. Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personally identifiable information and pretends to be you. They can use this information to open bank or credit card accounts, file taxes, or make new purchases in your name.
It is important that you take steps to protect your Social Security number from theft. If someone obtains your Social Security number, they can use it to get other personal information about you, including your bank or credit information. Someone can steal your Social Security number by:
- Stealing your wallet, purse, or mail.
- Obtaining personal information you provide to an unsecured site on the Internet.
- Rummaging through your trash.
- Posing by phone or email as someone who needs information about you.
If someone asks for your number, you should ask why, how it will be used, and what will happen if you refuse. Make sure you give your employer and your financial institution(s) your correct Social Security number, so your records and tax information are accurate.
To minimize the risk of identity theft, keep your Social Security card and any other documents that show your Social Security number in a safe place. Do not carry your Social Security card or other documents with you that display your number unless you need them.
If you suspect someone’s using your Social Security number for work purposes, report the problem to us immediately by contacting the Federal Trade Commission. We will review your earnings with you to ensure our records are accurate. You may also verify your earnings were posted correctly with your personal my Social Security account. If you don’t have a my Social Security account, you can create an account today!
If someone misused your Social Security number to create credit or other problems for you, immediately go report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Their website provides detailed information to help you defend against identity theft. You can reach them by phone by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338); TTY 1-866-653-4261.
You may also want to contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and file an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Safeguarding your identity and Social Security is of the utmost importance. If you think you’re a victim of identity theft, please act now. For more information, read our publication Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number or visit us online.
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Tags: my Social Security, my Social Security account, Social Security statement, SSN
See CommentsAbout the Author
Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications
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Tim e.
My name is Tim FARRIS 10/13/1975 Someone is using my ssn# for work
and there texes andd has used my Express debet card with out my permission needs to stop and I won’t them to get the maximum penalty for frod
Teresa Q.
I have not received a CP01A Identity Protection Pin.
When are or were they mailed? I do not see where one has been issued to me by utilizing the on-line account.
V.V.
Hi Teresa, thank you for using our blog. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the agency that issues the Identity Protection Pins. You can contact the IRS at http://www.irs.gov or call their toll-free number at 1-800-829-1040.
Judith W.
I would like to know what the new numbers indicate. Which part of the number is dedicated directly to me — are some of the numbers mean my location or anything that is standard. I like to carry a replica of the card with certain numbers blocked out so that at least an agency knows I have a card and can get back to them. Would like to know what part of the card is relevant to me specifically.
Alexander C.
If someone has acquired my SSN illegally, can I have an alert placed the number so that no one other than myself can use it? Or did I have to get a new SSN?
ladonna M.
im concern about a data breach today I have gotten information in the mail. But didn’t receive my payment for the new year. My name and number has been stolen before. Identity Theft is common for me benefits has been stolen before. Have to apply often for stolen identity theft report. LaDonna Morgan 639 W Kneeland apt 59
Charlotte E.
I can’t tell if my report was complete. My ref. # is 102892522. It appears to me my email address and temp password were not accepted.
V.V.
Thanks for checking in with us, Charlotte. For help with your my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office.
Michael A.
I received a letter from the IRS stating someone else may have used my SSN to obtain employment. The letter suggested I come to this site (www.ssa.gov) to check my records. I tried to create an account but was rejected several times… so I placed a block on my number. I will try to visit my local SSA office to see if they can help further with this matter,
molly g.
I have a caller who keep stating that my social security
has been suspended and my assets frozen. I did a stupid thing and called back from my phone the number is 773 869 -0817 how can I make sure my SS number is not stolen
V.V.
Hi Molly, thank you for checking in with us. Unfortunately there are some Social Security impersonation schemes that we are warning citizens about. See our two recent blog posts:
https://blog.ssa.gov/inspector-general-warns-public-about-oig-impersonation-schemes/
https://blog.ssa.gov/inspector-general-warns-public-about-caller-id-spoofing-scheme-misusing-ssa-customer-service-number/
If you have questions about any communication — email, letter, text or phone call — that claims to be from SSA, please contact your local Social Security office, or call Social Security’s toll-free customer service number at 1-800-772-1213, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, to verify its legitimacy (TTY number at 1-800-325-0778). You may also report the information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report.
Fern U.
My purse was stolen. I want to report that my SS card was in there as well.
V.V.
Hi Fern. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) created a Self-Lock process. Locking an SSN helps stop individuals from using stolen SSNs to gain work authorization through E-Verify. Read more at https://www.uscis.gov/mye-verify/self-lock. To learn more about the steps individuals can take to prevent or resolve issues of identity theft, read our publication: “Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number”.
We recommend you only obtain a replacement Social Security card if you need one. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. However, if you must get a replacement card, you will need to gather documents proving both your identity and citizenship status. To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, visit our Social Security Number and Card web page.
Annette L.
Must I give my husband’s and my ss number on a Application for Residency. New Owners and they are requesting our numbers. I dealt with my identity stolen in 2007 and have become very leery about giving it out. We have lived in this mobile home park for ll years, but the new owners want this info.
V.V.
Hi Annette: If someone asks for your number, you should ask why, how it will be used, and what will happen if you refuse. Make sure you give your employer and your financial institution(s) your correct Social Security number, so your records and tax information are accurate.
See our blog post on Protecting Your Social Security Number for more information.