Identity Theft: How to Protect Your Social Security Number

Whether you are applying for a job, making a major purchase, opening a bank account, filing taxes, getting government benefits, or doing basically anything that would require your personal information, you will need your Social Security Number (SSN).

Therefore, the confidentiality of your Social Security Number is paramount. According to recent reports, nearly 3 billion users have been victims of identity theft. 

A data breach at Jerico Pictures Inc., a background check company, compromised the Social Security Numbers of almost 3 billion individuals. While these reports are still under investigation, it is important to lock your Social Security Numbers to stay safe from fraud and identity theft.

So how to protect your Social Security Number? Continue reading to find out how you can lock and protect your Social Security Numbers from unauthorized access.

How to Protect Your Social Security Number?

There are two ways to protect your Social Security Number from misuse. You can lock it with E-Verify or block electronic access to it. 

1. Lock Your Social Security Number 

Locking your SSN keeps it safe from any online modification or usage, even from you. In addition to keeping you safe from employment fraud, it also prevents employers from verifying your eligibility. 

So how to lock your Social Security Number? Well, you can use E-Verify to self-lock your SSN. E-Verify is an official online system by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that allows employers to verify their employee’s eligibility. 

To lock your SSN using E-Verify, you will need to create your E-Verify account and Self Lock it. Your SSN will remain locked until you unlock it or until your account is valid. 

However, if you are applying for a new job, make sure to unlock your SSN so that the employers can verify your details.

2. Block Electronic Access to Your SSN

You can also protect your Social Security Number by blocking online access to it. By doing so, you can prevent anyone from using your Social Security Number online. You will not even be able to modify or access your personal information online. 

To block electronic access to your SSN, you will need to call the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can remove the block at any time by calling the SSA and requesting an unblock.

Additional Ways to Protect Your Social Security Number

While there’s no way to permanently freeze your SSN, there are other ways to protect it:

1. Create Your Social Security Account

In order to protect your Social Security Number, you must create an online Social Security account. This prevents others from making your fake account. 

With a Social Security account, you can manage your contact information and determine the benefits. It also allows you to manage your existing benefits, request a replacement card, and check an application status.

2. Avoid Giving Out Your SSN

Whether you’re applying for a new home, getting a credit card, or making a big purchase, you will need to share your Social Security Number. 

Every time you are asked for your SSN, make sure to ask the requester why they need it, what they are going to use it for, and whether it is possible to continue without sharing your SSN.

Only provide your SSN where it is absolutely necessary. Avoid sharing it over a text, call, or email as scammers often ask for your SSN by pretending to be from the Social Security Administration.

3. Freeze Your Credit Reports

Another way to protect your SSN is by freezing your credit reports. Doing so allows you to protect your SSN from scammers who may try to open credit accounts. 

As long as your credit report is frozen, lenders will not be able to carry out credit checks. As a result, any unauthorized credit applications will be rejected. You can unfreeze the credit reports any time you are applying for credit. It doesn’t affect your credit score.

So make sure to freeze your credit with each major credit bureau, including TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. You should also keep an eye on your credit reports to spot any attempts of fraud.

What To Do If Social Security Number Is Compromised

If your SSN has been leaked, here’s what you should do:

1. Report it to the Federal Trade Commission immediately. 
2. File a report with the local police department.
3. Obtain your Identity Protection (IP) pin from the IRS.
4. Freeze your credit reports with each credit bureau.
5. Block electronic access to your SSN if you haven’t already done it.

Your Social Security Number is one of the most key identifiers in the United States. It is important to keep it safe from scammers and fraudsters as it can result in identity theft. You should only use it when it is officially required. Do not share it with anyone who won’t officially need it to identify you.

Good luck!