Signs someone’s using your Social Security number

Your Social Security number connects to almost every part of your life, so keeping it safe is essential. Stay alert for any signs that it might be at risk. Prevention matters most, but if your number does fall into the wrong hands, you can still take steps to protect yourself.

Top signs someone might be using your Social Security number

Are you concerned that your social security number may have gotten into the wrong hands? Check below to see if you are experiencing any of these signs:

1) Changes to your credit report and score

Americans are granted free credit reports every 12 months from the three major consumer reporting companies. Regularly culling through these reports can help you spot potential fraud, which might signal that your social security number has been compromised. Any hard inquiries you didn’t request on your credit report are a strong indicator that someone tried to open a credit card or another line of credit with your social security number.

2) Changes to your social security statement

While most people know to check their credit report and scores, you can see your social security statement by creating an account on the official Social Security Administration website. Because only one account can be created per social security number, it is safer if you claim it so no one else can by piecing together your personal information (along with your SSN) to claim it fraudulently. Make sure it is connected to a secure email account that you check frequently. This account also provides up-to-date data on earnings and benefit distributions so you can see if anything is ‘off.’

3) Strange or new mailings or calls from debt collectors and junk mailers

While it might seem natural to toss a pile of ‘junk’ mailers or ignore calls from random debt collectors or advertisers, it may be an indicator that someone has gotten a hold of your social security number and has begun opening accounts under your number. It’s important to make note of the patterns and follow up with these collectors should it become more and more apparent that your social security number might have been misused. Oftentimes, consumers start getting more credit offers when new credit cards are opened. Additionally, if you start receiving bills under someone else’s name at your address, it might be time to follow up with these notices.

4) New notices from the IRS or other governmental agencies

If you start receiving notices about your social security number being used to file someone else’s taxes or inappropriately use your health insurance, it is definitely a sign that someone may have compromised your social security number. While receiving a notice from the IRS or Medicare can feel scary, it is imperative that you reach out to the corresponding agency to notify them of the fraudulent activity so that you can stop further damage.

Top ways to keep your social security number safe

To protect your identity and financial future, follow these key steps to keep your Social Security number safe.

1) Sign up for a social security account

Visit the official Social Security Administration website and create your account if you have not already. Only one account can exist per Social Security number, so claiming yours first keeps others from using your information fraudulently. Connect the account to a secure email that you check often. It also gives you current details about your earnings and benefits, helping you spot anything unusual right away.

2) Hide/safe keep your social security number card

Keep your Social Security card in a safe place like a home safe, bank vault, or locked cabinet. Memorize your number instead of carrying the card. Losing your wallet with the card inside can cause serious problems beyond lost cash or ID. Leave your Social Security card at home to protect your identity.

3) Go online

Avoid writing your Social Security number on paper forms. Once it’s written down, you lose control over how it’s used or discarded. Submit forms online whenever possible to lower the risk of identity theft. Mailing documents with your number also increases the chance of them being lost or stolen.

4) Opt out of inputting SSN

Even though your SSN is requested on some forms, it is not always necessary. If a future employer is requesting your SSN, double-check why they need it. They would most likely need it to run a background check, which you should know about anyway. Additionally, some establishments allow you to provide the last 4-digits of your SSN until you are finalizing a screening process, etc.

5) Combat child identity theft

Open accounts for your children’s SSNs because you want to claim them for them early and be able to monitor any movement related to their social security number.

6) Secure documents

Some records that contain your social security number are important to keep on hand, such as income tax filings. If they are kept digitally, encrypt and or password-protect the document or folder, especially if it is uploaded to the cloud. Keep offline documents with SSNs in a safe or shred instead of throwing them away.

Remember you (usually) only get one social security number in a lifetime, it is important to safeguard that data with your ‘life’!

7) Remove your personal information from the internet

Remove your personal information from the internet given the increasing privacy concerns with AI, removing your personal information from the internet is essential. Data removal services can help protect your Social Security number by systematically erasing your details from websites, thus reducing the risk of identity theft. 

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice.  They aren’t cheap – and neither is your privacy.  These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites.  It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet.  By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

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8) IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)

Protect your tax returns from identity theft by getting an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS. This six-digit number stops anyone else from filing a tax return with your Social Security number or ITIN. Only you and the IRS know the code, which adds an extra layer of security to your tax filings.

How to get an IP PIN

• Online Request: The fastest way to receive an IP PIN is to request one through your online account on the IRS website. If you don’t already have an account, you must register to validate your identity.
• Alternative Methods: If you can’t establish an online account, there are other methods, but they take longer. You can file an application or request in-person authentication.

Using your IP PIN

• Enter the six-digit IP PIN when prompted by your tax software or provide it to your trusted tax professional when filing your return.
• An IP PIN must be used on all federal tax returns during the year, including prior year returns.
• Do not reveal your IP PIN to anyone except your tax professional when you are ready to sign and submit your return.

Important information

• An IP PIN is valid for one calendar year, and a new one is generated each year.
• If you lose your IP PIN, you can retrieve it online or have it reissued by calling the IRS.

By using an IP PIN, you can significantly reduce the risk of tax-related identity theft and ensure that your tax returns are processed smoothly and securely.

9) Recognizing and reporting a Social Security scam

If there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or record, Social Security will typically mail a letter. You can learn more about recognizing Social Security-related scams, including how to report a scam quickly and easily online to Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General, by reading more at www.ssa.gov/scams.

What to do when someone uses your Social Security number

If you notice signs that your Social Security number is at risk, follow these steps to protect your information.

1) Reach out to the Social Security Administration immediately. Call them at 1-800-772-1213 to put an electronic block on your social security number.

2) Contact the three main credit bureaus to freeze your credit. This will prevent anyone, including the hackers, from wreaking havoc on your credit. Make sure to report any errors on your credit reports with the credit agencies as well.

3) File a report with the local authorities as well as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

4) Submit a Social Security fraud report online or call the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271. They can help investigate any Social Security-related fraud.

5) Use an identity theft protection service: Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number, and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account.  They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. 

One of the best parts of using some services is that they might include identity theft insurance of up to 1 million dollars to cover losses and legal fees. Plus they often include a white glove fraud resolution team where a US-based case manager helps you recover any losses.

Related Links: 

• Social Security Administration phishing scam targets retirees
• Top ways to safeguard your Social Security Number
• Beware of this Social Security scam by crooks trying to trick you

Kurt’s key takeaways

Because your Social Security number affects many parts of your life, stay alert for any signs of misuse. If you notice unusual activity, do not panic. There are clear steps you can take to protect yourself. Fraud protection services may seem unnecessary when everything appears fine, but they can save you stress later. A subscription helps you focus on the present instead of worrying about how criminals might use your number. If a problem occurs, experts will be in your corner to guide you through the recovery process.

What additional steps do you think government agencies should take to enhance the security of Social Security numbers? Let us know in the comments below.

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