Safeguarding Your Social Security Number: Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft

Protect Your Social Security Number from Identity Theft

Your Social Security number (SSN) is a key piece of information, used for various critical activities such as getting a job, filing taxes, and receiving government benefits. Unfortunately, it’s also a prime target for identity theft.

Data breaches, like the one affecting National Public Data in August 2024, and incidents at retailers such as David’s Bridal, highlight the increasing vulnerability of personal data. If your SSN ends up in the wrong hands, the consequences can be significant. Criminals could steal your money or damage your credit score.

This article provides practical steps you can take to reduce the risks associated with potential identity theft. These strategies range from blocking electronic access to your SSN to periodically checking your credit reports.

The First Steps: Locking Down Your SSN

There are a couple of actions you can take directly to control access to your Social Security number.

• Block Electronic Access: Preventing access to your SSN through online or automated phone services is a great start to protecting your information.

• Lock with E-Verify: E-Verify is a system used by many employers to confirm work eligibility. You can set up a ‘Self Lock’ which prevents anyone else from using your SSN to authorize employment in E-Verify.

How to Block Electronic Access

Blocking electronic access to your SSN prevents unauthorized modification of your information.

You can call the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 to request a block. You will need to call again and verify your identity to remove the block.

How to Lock Your SSN with E-Verify

To lock your Social Security number with E-Verify:

1. Create a myE-Verify account.
2. Place a ‘Self Lock.’

Keep in mind that a ‘Self Lock’ will prevent you from using your SSN for employment validation as long as the lock is active.

Other Methods to Safeguard Your Data

Beyond blocking electronic access, here are a number of steps you can take to protect your SSN.

• Freeze and Monitor Credit Reports: Freezing your credit report is an effective strategy to prevent someone from using your SSN to open new credit accounts. This makes it difficult for scammers to get approved for loans, since lenders cannot access your credit file when it’s frozen. It is free to do this and it doesn’t negatively affect your credit score.

• Create a my Social Security Account: Creating an account with the Social Security Administration can prevent someone else from creating an account in your name. Through this account, you can also update your contact information.

• Keep Your Social Security Card Secure: Avoid carrying your Social Security card or documents containing your SSN unless absolutely necessary.

• Share Your SSN Only When Needed: Only give out your Social Security number when it’s truly necessary, like when applying for credit cards or an apartment. If you are asked for your SSN, ask why it is needed, how it will be used, and what happens if you refuse to share it.

• Recognize Scams: Be cautious of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails requesting your SSN. Also, protect yourself from in-person threats; avoid stating your SSN out loud in public or leaving it visible.

• Consider Identity Theft Protection Services: If you prefer not to freeze your credit or monitor your reports regularly, consider paying for a professional identity theft protection service.

What to Do If Your SSN Has Been Compromised

Despite your best efforts, data breaches happen. If you suspect your SSN has been compromised, act quickly:

• Freeze Your Credit Reports: Freeze your credit reports with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

• Report Identity Theft: Report any identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.

• Get an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS: Use this PIN to verify your identity when filing your taxes. You’ll receive a new number each year through your IRS online account.

• Replace Your Social Security Card: If your physical card is lost or stolen, request a replacement online or at your local Social Security office. There are restrictions on how many times you can replace your card, so be mindful of this.

By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of identity theft and protect your financial well-being.