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.

Did you find this Information helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

Tags: , , ,

See Comments

About the Author

Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications

Related Articles

Update to New Online Security

Adding Additional Security to Protect What’s Important to You

How to Spot an Imposter Social Security Social Media Account

Social Security and Scam Awareness

Comments

  1. Ahlam A.

    I living in Yemen can you send me my benefits to Yemen international Bank?

  2. Barbara t.

    I’m trying to get my IP pin so my husband can finish taxes can you please help

  3. Jean L.

    I would like to put an alert on my credit. Twice I received a call from other states as if someone has used my social security number. I also receive e-mails from Bank-of-America (as if I have great credit which I know I don’t), and maybe some other places. If there is any
    fraudulent activity on my credit, please notify me.

  4. Santhanam

    I don’t know whether there is a risk. I am giving details below:-
    To join a senior daycare centre, as required by them I had to give my card. I understand that a copy has been taken by them. What I am worried is that these details are kept in a cupboard and some of the staff have access to this cupboard. What steps I should take. As I am attending this centre regularly and there are as many as 100 seniors coming to this centre. Is there a possibility that someone may be seeing these details. And I don’t want my name to be known to the management.

  5. Lashondra f.

    How do I set up a pin for my kids social security number.

  6. Lashondra f.

    How can I put a pin on my three kids social security number

  7. Andre

    January 30th someone opened up a credit card in my name is my Social Security number I have no idea who it was is he is some scary stuff never had it happen before I call the credit bureaus and what I could do to try to protect myself cuz I have no idea about whoever it was who’s trying to get something that doesn’t belong to them

  8. Ernest A.

    Hello this is Ernest Adams someone been getting my social security number without me telling them I would never give out my social security number. They figured it out some kind of way.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Ernest. 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!

  9. D C.

    We have adopted 2 children, that we have experienced identity theft with, in dealing with our taxes. We want to change their numbers
    Please advise

    • A.C.

      Hi. 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, check out our publication, Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number. We hope this helps.

  10. Gloria S.

    I think my SS card has been compromised. I had it in a concealed place, or so I thought, and someone may have copied down the number. I am on Social Security, what can I do to assure that my number is not being used? Can I visit a Social Security office?

Comments are closed.