Your Social Security number is a sensitive personal information that has likely been leaked and sold on the Dark Web. To protect yourself and your identity, take the following steps before panicking.
Does it really matter that much?
Yes, it is. The key to the castle is in your Social Security number. It serves as the special link between your personal, financial, and government records.
Criminals can use your SSN to apply for employment, create credit card accounts, apply for loans, steal your tax returns, and utilize government benefits.
To protect your Social Security number, use the government's free Self Lock feature to prevent unauthorized employment verifications.
You need an E-Verify account to access this feature online. To request a block, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, but expect a long wait.
The Social Security Administration offers online access to earnings and benefits history through its my Social Security account, which is free and accessible even if you don't receive benefits. It's recommended to check this annually to ensure everything aligns with your actual work and benefits history.
If you created a Social Security username over three years ago, you need to create a Login.gov or ID.me account.
If your Social Security number (SSN) is in someone else's hands, you can be alerted to potential fraud by receiving unexpected bills or accounts. Thieves can use your SSN to open credit card accounts, take out loans, or set up utilities in your name.
If this occurs, contact the company immediately and report the fraudulent activity, and a credit freeze is a must.
If you receive tax forms like W-2s or 1099s from unfamiliar employers, it's possible that someone used your Social Security Number (SSN) to secure a job. This type of employment fraud can result in you being held responsible for their tax obligations.
If you receive any unusual tax forms, contact the IRS immediately. If you receive a notice that someone else filed your taxes using your SSN, it's a simple and effective way for criminals to get refunds owed to you.
If you receive a letter from the IRS about a duplicate filing, file a report at IdentityTheft.gov and complete IRS Form 14039, the Identity Theft Affidavit.
Protect your tax accounts with the IRS's Identity Protection PIN program, which provides a six-digit number for filing taxes. Check your credit report for any unusual activity, such as new accounts or unexplained changes.
Get a free annual credit report from the three major bureaus through AnnualCreditReport.com, and stagger the reports every few months to monitor them more easily. This will help protect your financial information and prevent potential scams.
If you're denied government benefits, it's possible that someone is using your Social Security Number (SSN) to claim them fraudulently. Contact the appropriate agency to restore your benefits.
If you suspect your SSN was stolen, contact the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov for a comprehensive plan to recover your identity and protect yourself.
The IRS also has a place to report Identity Theft Central. Check with your bank, credit card providers, and insurance company for free fraud and identity theft protection services.
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