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. Gundala

    Credo a quello che dici. Per me tutto può succedere. Ma sto ancora cercando un motivo appropriato per convincermi di più. Visita anche il mio sito Web http://pencarihoki.today/

  2. Eli R.

    One of my cousins found out that someone used his SS, and now he is being charged with high fees. We appreciate you highlighting to immediately report the issue to the Federal Trade Commission. I’ll also advise him hiring a lawyer to avoid paying the fees.
    https://www.sartainlaw.com/social-security

  3. Petrea S.

    thank you

  4. Shamar J.

    I bellieve my card have being stolen an being used by another I next to kno how I can fix this

    • Luis A.

      Hi Shamar. We are sorry to hear that your card was stolen. Please remember, that you will rarely need to show your Social Security card. Knowing your number is what is important. If you are concerned that someone could misuse your Social Security number, and would like to learn more about “Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number” check out our publication titled “Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number.” If you must get a replacement card, you may be able to do it using your personal my Social Security account. We hope this is helps.

  5. Linda D.

    someone called my cell phone saying my social security number has been canceled they wanted me to press 1 which i did not due the number they were calling from 888-545-1047

    • Luis A.

      Hi Linda. Thanks for checking in with us. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying 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 site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.

  6. Mark e.

    Hi this is mark erback and I keep getting these phone calls saying there is some specific suspicious activity with my card I wrote down the number to which to call originated from so if you can give me a call at 9725050785 am only. Thanks m.e.

    • Ann C.

      Thanks for letting us know, Mark. 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 site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.

  7. Lynn R.

    I wanted to opt-out of prescreened offers of credit (KingsoopersMastercard.com) but when I called the toll free number (888-567-8688) listed on the form, I was asked for my social security number. Since all that should be needed is my name and address, I believe this is a scam. Please check into this.

  8. DAVID R.

    IC3.GOV IS THE FBI DOMAIN INSTEAD OF THE IRS.

  9. Kathleen P.

    I try to put my trust in my Lord and my God that I have worshiped all of my life. So far, my God has protected me and kept me safe. Since I have been receiving threatening telephone messages from people posing as being the Social Security Dept., it has made me worried and upset. However, after some prayer and finding my personal documents, I have calmed down and decided to again put my trust and my confidence in my Lord, and my God. Hopefully, my God will continue to care for me and to keep me safe from all the wicked people in this country of America and in the wicked people in the world.

  10. Rick

    vendor that I use told me that there is the possibility of my ss# has been stolen since it is only a possibility what action should I take.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Rick. 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!

Comments are closed.