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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Shavona B.
I received a call today and the number said Social Security Administration. I gave them my social after I realized it was a scam. I need my social security number protected. I need for someone to call me and let me know the next step I need to do to protect my social security number.
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Shavona. 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 also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams, here. If you suspect identity theft, you should go to http://www.idtheft.gov and report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). We hope this helps!
Richard H.
My wife had a copy of disabled son’s SSN in her wallet. It was lost and stolen. What should we do?
Pacheco,John
Recd Phone calls informing me my soc sec was stopped due do security issuses.The numbers 202-613-2510,800-312-1203,800-7446771, a recording saying their was a problem with soc sec.I ck with local office who ck’d my acct and everything was okay.So they called three times today 5-21 my soc sec office inform me to respond to soc sec,hope this helps I gave no info to these numbers.
L.A.
Thank you for letting us know about these calls, John. 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.
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Mrs. G.
I received a letter regarding Employment related Identity Theft Notice: someone may have used my SSN to obtain employment. I live in England and am not able to open “my Social Security account” online due to not having an address in the USA. Can someone please advise me? Also, I don’t understand how anyone could steal my SSN. I only write it on my federal tax return form and mail the paper forms, never filing online. This is worrying.
A.C.
Hi, Gail. Since you are living outside of the U.S. you can contact your local Federal Benefits Unit for assistance. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this helps.
Margaret L.
I think someone obtained my SS # from an invalid alert. What can I do???
A.C.
Hi, Margaret. If you suspect identity theft, you should go to http://www.idtheft.gov and report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). We hope this helps!
Pat M.
I have heard that your SS # is not to be used as indentification for any thing but SS. Yet is seems that every time I try to do some business with a company they want the last four digits of my SS. Recently with T-Mobile I called to find out something about my phone and got into a heated argument with the agent because they wanted the last 4 digits of my SS# and I refused to give it and told them they were not supposed to use that for Identification. What is the correct answer to this problem? Pat Moore
richard
my wife gave her social security number to a scammer on line.
what do I do now
Herman K.
I am not applying for benefits at this time but got a call from your office say I have.
I have called, got a call back and have been on hold forever.
This is fraud if someone is trying to apply for benefits from my account.
On hold again as I type this. Phone is dying. Not near a charger.
L.A.
Hi Herman. 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.
DIANA R.
MY CAR WAS BROKE INTO, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS WERE IN FILE THEY STOLED. WHAT DO I DO NOW TO PROTECT IDENTY THEFT ?
V.V.
Hi Diana. 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. Thanks!