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
Comments
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Lucy G.
What is this new Medicare card all about … the one with letters instead of numbers? Is this the card that we provide to medical providers and insurance carriers?
Edmondo B.
does SS correspondence letters show my ss # ?
Danny M.
need to know if my next ck will be sent to 220 Covington Ave. Apt. 10 Thomasville Ga, 31792 ?
Ann C.
Hi, Danny. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Joe
An you change your as number if it is stolen and used to get credit cards?
Heather r.
thank you for protecting my name and ss-number heather reamirez xxxxxxxxx
Ann C.
Hi, Heather. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. Thanks!
Donna O.
I received a letter notice from ssa that an attorney was assigned to my claim in writing by me. I called the ssa office and they didn’t seem to care. I did not hire an attorney and never sent written permission for this. I never heard of this person. What should I do next?
Luis A.
Hi Donna. For your security, we do not have access to your personal information in this forum. For specific questions about your account, please call our toll free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), from Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. You may also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Luis A.
Hi Donna. For your security, we do not have access to your personal information in this forum. We recommend that you continue to work the local Social Security office. For specific questions about your account, please call our toll free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), from Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. You may also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
roy h.
I was able to block electronic access, and am trying to help my fiancé without success . what is website for this form?
Luis A.
Hi Roy. If you suspect identity theft, you can report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). We hope this helps.
Aysenur D.
Some citizenship form needs to fill in with social security number but there are not in my mind. I can not find where am I put the social security number card , I am divorced and mine old husbend does not to find this number .Please give me hand.I need just number. Thank you for cooperation.Sincerely.
Aysenur D.
I can not mine social security stamp if it possible to send mine e-mail to m.ne social security number. I will be apriciate you.
Ann C.
Hi, Aysenur. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. Keep in mind, we cannot release a Social Security number via email. We hope this helps.
Alice C.
I want to report a phone scam involving Social Security. Someone left a message on my voice mail saying that someone used my S.S. number and I should call the Federal Crime Bureau at 1-800-135-1712. Of course I didn’t call. The phone number which the call came from is 773-932-5049.
Luis A.
Hi Alice. Thanks for letting us know. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.
If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.