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
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Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications
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Daphne S.
I received a phone call from Oceanside California saying I should call them immediately as my Social Security number had been compromised. Is this a scam?
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Daphne. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can find additional information here. We hope this helps.
Carolyn C.
I never received my new social security card. How can I check to see if it was ever mailed to me? What should I do if it has been lost in the mail?
Zoraya A.
Hello I received a call from this number 1 800 516 6136 today around 10:54 am, they said that I have problems with my S.S. and you are prosecute me. I ask to send me a letter telling me what I did wrong. But woman get mad to me.
Please can you lrt mr know if something is wrong with my Social Security?
Thanks
Zoraya Asturizaga
forrest m.
phone scam say to be social security, want me to call. Their phone #956-377-4541,called several times and I j just hang up.
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Forrest. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can find additional information here. We hope this helps.
Martin D.
Got a call that there was questionable activity with my ss#. I hung up, and the phone # did not appear in my “recent calls.” I also can’t sign on to MySocial Security… Does not recognize my user name/password. Afraid someone may be using my account. Waiting time to speak to someone was 45 minutes. I am also on vacation now in Florida.
Please tell me what to do, as tax time is near.
Thank you, Martin Doris. dorisrus@charter.net
A.C.
Hi, Martin. Thanks for checking in with us. Keep in mind we do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can find additional information here. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
Kryselda M.
I am trying to file my taxes and I need a PIN number. I where do I find that at.
Anthony J.
What entities am I required to show my SSN too. It seems, to me, that some business require my SSN such as Auto Dealerships to acquire a loan. Is this valid?
Also, what about businesses that only use it to check my Credit rating.
V.V.
Hi Anthony, thank you for using our blog to ask you question. 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.
For additional details, check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on giving out your Social Security number.
V.V.
Hi Metta: If the caller is claiming to be from Social Security—it is critical that you pay attention to the tone and content of the message from the caller. In some cases, the caller states that Social Security does not have all of your personal information, such as your Social Security number (SSN), on file. Other callers claim Social Security needs additional information so the agency can increase your benefit payment, or they threaten that Social Security will terminate your benefits if they do not confirm your information. This appears to be a widespread issue, as reports have come from people across the country. These calls are not from Social Security.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Social Security, we urge you to always be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information such as your SSN or bank account information. Never reveal personal data to a stranger who calls you, and never send the stranger money via wire transfer or gift cards.
Social Security employees will never threaten you for information; they will not state that you face potential arrest or other legal action if you fail to provide information or pay a fee. In those cases, the call is fraudulent, and you should just hang up. If you receive these calls, report the information to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online at oig.ssa.gov/report.
Metta R.
I received recorded calls saying my number was being used for suspected activity.
Edgar A.
If a person that have NOT worked by Him/Herself and not worked the minimum 10 years or accumulated the minimum required 40 points what ARE THE REQUIREMENTS THAT THE SS. SECURITY I.G OR any other department, LIST the facts /needs to probe the wrong doing to SS. please RESPOND.