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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Ann G.
I received a phone call on my home phone telling me to call 720-279-1346 about a block on my social security card. I did not call the number.
L.A.
Hello Ann. Thank you for letting us know about these calls. We do not usually make random calls. If you or 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 also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams here. We hope this helps.
Deborah A.
Do I now use my original Social Security card issued when I was a teenager in NY State, or do I have a new Social Security card to use? I am now on Social Security Disability, and live in MD.
V.V.
Hi Deborah, thank you for using the blog to ask your question. Your Social Security number remains the same throughout your lifetime. If you’re asking about whether or not you need a replacement Social Security card because you lost yours, you may not. 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 may be able to apply online. If you do not qualify to apply online, then you can apply by mail or visit your local office with required documentation. All documents must be either originals or certified copies. To learn more on how to get a replacement card and see if you can apply online, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
Herminia S.
I received a letter from IRS from California stating that they believe another person may have used my social security to obtain employment. They sent me this letter to make me aware of this incident. They were thinking I maybe a victim of identity theft. please I need help to verify any misuse of my personal information. Thank you and I really appreciate your help.
A.C.
Hi, Herminia. We are sorry to hear about your situation. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find more information on their website: http://www.idtheft.gov or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). 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 hope this helps.
Gregory C.
A private practice medical office recently refused to register me as a patient unless I gave them my SSN to use as an identifier. Is this legal?
Joan F.
Trying to report an attempt of information re my social security number. Rcv’d call stating that my card was involved in fraud. Phone number came from a New York 845-440-1943. Asked I call an investigator at 508-281-9573. Did a reverse look-up and both numbers were tagged as FRAUD.
Alexander K.
I have received 5 call over the past two days claiming to suspend my SS# due to suspicious activity. This is an obvious scam but it coincided with my Facebook acct being hacked.
The number used was the same. 888-658-7453
Perhaps you can trace this to its origin and shut down the site.
thankyou
Barbara p.
I am looking to recieve my pin number
Angela
I recieved a phone call today supposedly from the Social Security Administration’s fraud investigations department. I was assisted by an Indian accented male from what sounded like a very busy call center, the phone number being (332)876-4256. When I asked why they hadn’t informed me by mail or email of suspicious activity rather than calling me by using an automated message, the man on the phone hung up. I am wondering how to verify that this was a phishing call or if it was indeed Social Security informing me of fraudulent activity. I did not find this information specified on the site.
V.V.
Hi Angela: 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.
Kimberly A.
My Social security number has been out there since I was a victim in Indenity Theft,since 2008. Ive reported it several times to the police departments. No one wants to really want to help me! Up to this point been kicked out of bank accounts because, they put in counterfeit money in, and of course they sign my nane!! I’ve been a victim but no one wants to help me! I do have my documents at hand
V.V.
Hi Kimberly, thanks for using our blog. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. Visit http://www.identitytheft.gov to report identity theft and get a recovery plan or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on what you can do if someone is using your Social Security number.
John S.
Mr. Peter Maxwell called me from 832-220-5730,stating my SS account was to be suspende due to fraudulent claims I had been using. He wanted to know my SS, DOB,and State I came from. I did give DOB and last 4 of my SS, and State I came from. Did not give the town I came from or the first five digits of my SS. He also gave me a number of my case file as DC7010. He continued to asked for my SS number. I would not give him the rest, then he hung up.
John
A.C.
Hi, John. 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.