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

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  4. Nia

    Does the Social Security Administration keep your social security card when you apply for a name change? I went to my local social security office today to get a card with a new name, and the employee gave me back all of my paperwork except my current card. I asked her why she kept it since I had to change my name once before and they gave me my old card back. She said they should have taken it in the past as well.

    Is there an official policy of seizing social security cards when someone applies for a new name? Now I wish I had insisted on getting my card back and destroying it myself!

    • A.C.

      Hi, Nia! Thanks for your question. Any returned Social Security cards are immediately destroyed to protect an individual’s private information.

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  7. maggie

    You are required to place your ss# on your checks when you pay your medicare premiums. Any bank teller or someone stealing from your mailbox when you get your notices now have all the information they need.

  8. Teresa W.

    A hostile distant relative has disclosed the last six digits of my SSN, as well as my children’s on his blog with the statement:
    ” For the complete SSN contact me. You’ll need to say that the SSN will be used for research purposes.”
    He has also disclosed date of birth, and mother’s maiden name. He is providing the ingredients for identity theft/fraud. It is very concerning and feels like harassment. Is this legal? Do I have any recourse? What steps do you recommend I take? I have already locked my credit down.

    • R.F.

      Hi Teresa. Generally, reports and investigations of identity theft are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find more information in their website: http://www.idtheft.gov. Or you can call them at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).

  9. Contacter l.

    Vous êtes ici : Accueil » Menu accessibilité » Nous contacter » Contacter le webmestre du site police-nationale.interieur.gouv.fr
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  10. Selea M.

    Is it illegal for websites to show a persons FULL Social Security number? Rootsweb.com does. I was looking for a relative on there and his FULL Social Security number was listed. It is a division of Ancestry.com. Opens up another can of worms. By the way, he is deceased.

    • Contacter l.

      Merci pour votre retour.
      Prénom: ILEANA
      Nom: MOTOC
      Adresse courriel: human_ileana_motoc@outlook.com
      Sujet: Je ne trouve pas de réponse à ma recherche
      Message: POLICE, TELEVIZIUNEA PRO TV MI-A STRICAT PRIN INTERCEPTARE COMPUTERUL MEU PRIVAT AMERICAN. OFICIAL ASTAZI 18 DECEMBRIE 2016 AI LUAT MASURI SI AI INTRODUS PEDEAPSA CU MOARTEA PRIN INJECTIE LETALA PENTRU JURNALISTII DIN ROMANIA CARE INTERCEPTEAZA ILEGAL PERSOANE PRIVATE AMERICANE CARE NU AU NICIO LEGATURA CU RESPECTIVA TELEVIZIUNE SAU CU ROMANIA. MASURA SE VA PUNE IN APLICARE IN TIMP DE 30 DE ZILE DE LA PUBLICAREA EI SI SE VA FILMA MOARTEA JURNALISTILOR. UN SEMN OFICIAL PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA – KISS. DANKE, ICH LIEBE DIH.
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