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
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L L.
Easy-Apply Social Security https://easyapplyus.com/?utm_source=bing02&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=%2Bsocial%20%2Bcard&msclkid=0a4b0d3efc7516d8a1635205e7facf37 . I was in a hurry and didn’t take the time to identify the website before providing too much information. I feel like an idiot. Do you have any feedback regarding this company?
patsy l.
i think my ss maybe in danger of a hacker.
A.C.
Hi, Patsy. 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!
craig m.
I was contacted by a person on the phone who requested the last four of my social security number because it had been compromised and without thinking I gave it to them. I regret it and called and reported it to SSIi office right away and then contacted you. they told me to report it to you and they would put an alert on it. below I have entered my name and email. Please let me know what to do next.
V.V.
Hi Craig, thanks for using our blog. If you have concerns of identity theft, that is handled by the Federal Trade Commission. Visit http://www.identitytheft.gov to report identity theft and get a recovery plan or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on what you can do if you think someone is using your Social Security number.
Jazzmenn C.
Hi I wanted to report fraudulent calls.. someone by the name John Thomas with ID number 8523709 (DMC334) has called me claiming to walk at the social security office in Lancaster California and says my social security number as been used and that I was gonna be receiving a new social and was gonna be receiving a call from your offices for new social security number I would like to put a hold on my social to have it looked at as soon as possible please…
V.V.
Thanks for letting us know, Jazzmenn. 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.
Terry
Who do I report a possible theft from a fraudulent call
V.V.
Hi Terry, thanks for using our blog. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. Visit http://www.identitytheft.gov to report identity theft and get a recovery plan or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on what you can do if you think someone is using your Social Security number.
Sean w.
Bogus call claiming to be S.S
251 2533826
V.V.
Thanks for letting us know, Sean. 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.
Sharon V.
I u put my social security number on an amazon scam before I realized it was a scam I am afraid they will use my social security number. What can I do to protect my social security number so that it can not be used.
V.V.
Hi Sharon, thanks for using our blog. 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.
Jacques H.
Usually my monthly deposit come on the third each month. But when like the third will be next Monday the deposit come before the third. Here I was checking and see that the amount is not made but since it is only August 1st let wait and see what happen. As I just read ab out the fraud – If any problem on the fund I will go directly to the regional office.
But I am concern because someone was calling me and as for my Social Security numbers.
Sincerely
Jacques Henri Bien Aime.
Ramiro H.
Suspicious phone call from (206) 809-1467
V.V.
Thanks for letting us know, Ramiro. 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.
Frederic M.
Earlier this PM I receiveda phone call from a number that neither my wife or myself have ever heard of. The jest of the call was that someone or some organization had attempted or were in the process of attempting to Hack into or access my SS# and or account committing fraud of some sort. I was given the following number to call to report this: 619-324-4155. This number is unknown by either myself or my wife. Your assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated. In addition, I am a Service Connected Disabled Combat Veteran of the Vietnam War/USMC.
V.V.
Thanks for letting us know, Frederic and we thank you for your service. 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.