Frauds & Scams

Protecting Your Social Security Number from Identity Theft

August 25, 2016 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

indentity theftEvery 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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About the Author

Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications

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Comments

  1. Brigid W.

    I would like to get a new Social Security number for my son as he gave his out due to a phone scam. How do I go about getting that done?

  2. judi t.

    Have you ever considered creating an ebook or guest authoring on other blogs? I have a blog based on the same information you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my visitors would appreciate your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.

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  3. Josephine M.

    Received a call telling me that my SScard was being tampered with. But they still wanted my numbered, so they could fix it and then call me back. He said his name was Henry Wilson but sounded like he was from India Gave his ID #105962

    • A.C.

      Thanks for letting us know, Josephine. 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. We hope this helps.

  4. Ruben R.

    I am a victim of Identity Theft and am afraid that this person will attempt to divert my monthly Social Security payments. I have frozen my credit record with all 3 credit bureaus. How can I prevent this person from making changes to my data?

  5. Barbara

    I need to find out if I should report a possible stolen social security number. I have not seen any evidence of fraud yet, but the number was in a document on my computer, which was hacked.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Barbara. If you suspect someone is using your Social Security number, 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). In addition, you can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and Trans Union). To order your credit report, you can go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228. For more information, check out our publication, Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number . We hope this helps.

  6. steve g.

    I received a phone call from 1-410-770-2924 telling that I had suspicious activity on my ss # and wanted me to give them my ss # I refused and hung up. do you recognize the phone number as one used in a scam?

  7. MICHAEL F.

    I COULDNT FIND OUT ANYTHING IVE WORKED FOR THE GOV FOR 35 YEARS .GLAD TO SEE IT HASEST CHANGE…..

  8. Richard V.

    We have been getting up to 4 unknown calls for the past3 days from some man stating he is from the SSA and that our SS# has been compromised and that our SS# has been removed. The caller says to push 1 to get further info. We have disconnected the call. 2 times we did push 1 and nothing happened. I Richard had a replacement SS card just sent to me as we have misplaced it at our home. Thing is this person is calling my wife cell phone not mine nor is the caller telling us our SS#. This is a fraud call. How do we get rid of this caller? Look forward from to from you regarding this issue.

    • L.A.

      Hi Richard. 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.

  9. Christoper D.

    My information was stolen , and I want to get a lock on it in case the thief tries to use it

    • A.C.

      Hi, Christopher. We’re sorry to hear you’re having this problem. Victims of identity theft 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). In addition, you can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and Trans Union). To order your credit report go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228. For more information, check out our publication, Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number . We hope this is helpful.

  10. Teresa C.

    I received a phone call from (804) 207-4930 stating that my social security # was registering criminal activity. I hung up and did not return call.

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