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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MARINA R.
I GOT A WARNING SOMEONE IS USING MY SSN,PLEASE KEEP ME ADVICE
R.F.
See: “What should I do if I think someone is using my Social Security number?“. Thanks!
beatrice v.
I received a letter from its employment related identity theft notice. To obtain employment
MARK A.
MY ID AND SOCIAL SECURITY,GOT LOST .I WENT ON. Equifax Experian and Transuion . as few questions, and obvious my kids mother new my social security number to get a car.At zeck ford in Leaveanworth kansas my # is XXX-XX-XXXX
Karess D.
How do I apply a PIN number to me an my kids soical cards lost my wallets two months ago want to make sure no one can get access to it
Carol A.
Did ypu send a letter telling me I had identity theft or is this the identity theft. lthe number I called
was 1-800-908-4490-X477
This was a hacker and not he has my social and birthday and address.
R.F.
If a person has questions about any communication—email, letter, text or phone call—that claims to be from SSA, please contact your local Social Security office, or call Social Security’s toll-free customer service number at 1-800-772-1213, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, to verify its legitimacy (TTY number at 1-800-325-0778). Thanks.
Bea
Good Day,
I’m interested in obtaining a list of persons/institutions that are entitled to be given your SSN. I understand an employer being given access to that information. However, can a child be blocked from attending a school if you’ve provided a birth certificate and other pertinent information?
R.F.
Hello Bea, giving your number is voluntary even when you’re asked for the number directly. The decision is yours.
If requested, you should ask:
• Why your number is needed;
• How your number will be used;
• What happens if you refuse; and
• What law requires you to give your number.
The answers to these questions can help you decide if you want to give your Social Security number.
anyone can refuse to disclose his or her number, but the requester can refuse its services if you do not give it. Businesses, banks, schools, private agencies, etc., are free to request someone’s number and use it for any purpose that does not violate a federal or state law. Sometimes they will issue a different number if you ask.
We hope this information helps!
Bea
Thank you so very much Ray. Thanks also for the quick response. It helped a lot. Greatly appreciated. B
Jeana K.
I was told by the IRS that I should alert you that my SSN was involved in a security breach with my former employer, Rockdale I.S.D., Rockdale, Texas. A false income tax return was filed under my SSN.
Jeana K.
I did not realize that this comment would be published. I was only trying to get a SECURED message to the Social Security Administration. Please take down my post.
R.F.
Hi Jeana, for security reasons, we do not have access to personal information. If you need to make any corrections to your earnings, you will need to go into your local Social Security office. When you go, you will need to provide proper ID and any supporting evidence. You can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to make an appointment. Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Thanks!
R.F.
Hi Jeana, for security reasons, we do not have access to personal information. If you need to make any corrections to your earnings, you will need to go into your local Social Security office. When you go, you will need to provide proper ID and any supporting evidence. You can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to make an appointment. Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Thanks!
audrey d.
my name is audrey davis and my mother is 72 years old and loss her social security number not the card shes has that but she was at a senior citzen program at the northwest center in orlando flordia and left her paper work on the chair and it had all of her information on it ss # and her bank statement but i already took care the bank statement so i reported a fraud for her ss#. her number is 407-294-1249
R.F.
Hi Audrey. Generally, reports and investigations of identity theft are handled by the Federal Trade Commission, you and your mother can find more information in 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, read our publication: “Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number”. We hope this helps.
Camelot
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Gary P.
What are the steps for getting a IP PIN number for my personal account?
R.F.
Hi Gary, please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account.