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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Nalany I.
how can i put a pin on my daughter and mine social security number?
Joseph F.
I heard that you can protect your ss number by requesting them to tell you if anyone is using your ss. I tried it on line but was unable to find it anywhere
R.F.
Hi Joseph, if you think someone is using your Social Security number, there are several actions you can take.
If you suspect identity theft, report it to our Office of the Inspector General and visit http://www.identitytheft.gov.
Also, you can choose to block electronic access to your Social Security record. Click here for more information.
jason
I did not realize my name would be posted to a public blog. Please delete my full name from the January 15, 2018. Blog posting immediately. It was posted at 2:03 pm.
jason
Why do I need to give my ssn to see a doctor. Federal or state id that complies with the federal Id Act should be sufficient.
tenisha w.
hello my name is Tenisha Wagstaff. I want to know how do I put a block on my kids social security number. someone keep using their number every year to file taxes. I want to block them from using it. I don’t know who it is. I just want to block their ssn.
R.F.
Thank you for contacting us, Tenisha. Individuals can choose to block electronic access to their Social Security record. However, you may use this service -only- to access your personal information.
See what you can do online and Learn How to Protect Your Social Security Information from Unauthorized Access.
Please contact us at 1-800-772-1213 for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.
Jaime W.
This does not tell you how to protect your identity once your card has been stolen and how to prevent Identity theft from happening when all of your personal information/cards have been stolen. Police report was filed, and created a My ss account. But how do i protect myself further from the thieves using my number for personal gain or identity theft?
R.F.
Hi Jaime. 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). Also, see: Protecting Your Social Security Number from Identity Theft, for more information. Thanks!
JOHN S.
I am applying for captioning to my cell phone due to severe hearing, and upon requesting with a Phone Captioning Provider, from whom I have purchased a land phone with captioning; now asks for the last four digits of my Social,in order to process..
How can I be secure in letting that be known?
Conversación P.
Radioul Romania Actualitati Pe Cardul numarul 5213 5044 8208 2784 astazi am primit din Germania 1000 de lire sterline GBP pentru ca am tradat Romania si Uniunea Europeana prin scurgeri de informatii si de documente secrete.
Radio Rumania Actualitati Número Tarjeta 5213 5044 8208 2784 Hoy hemos recibido de Alemania 1000 libras GBP porque traicionó el país y la Unión Europea a través de filtraciones de documentos secretos y de información.
Confirman a Moscú.
CONVERSATIONE P.
hakerul a luat mancarea ce i-am dat-o si pe care a cersit-o. – Tomó la comida que dio y la mendicidad para él.
Carol H.
Can I put a freeze on my SS# to prevent someone else using it illegally?
R.F.
Self-Lock is the unique feature that lets you protect your identity in E-Verify and Self Check by placing a “lock” on your Social Security number (SSN). This helps prevent anyone else from using your SSN to try to get a job with an E-Verify employer. Please visit the Official Website of the Department of Homeland Security for more information.