What to do if your U.S. Social Security number is stolen: A guide to protecting your identity
If you suspect your U.S. Social Security number has been stolen, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect your identity and financial security. Here is what you need to know.
Identity theft is a very real concern, especially if it involves the theft of your Social Security number (SSN). Thieves can use stolen SSNs to open credit cards or get loans, or even set up utility accounts in your name, causing financial damage and long-term disruption.
If you believe that your Social Security number has been stolen, you need to act quickly and assertively. There are several resources and organizations that you can call upon to report the theft, place alerts on your credit reports, and monitor your financial activity. Here's everything you need to know to protect your identity.
What should do if your Social Security number is stolen?
Identity thieves can use your Social Security number and other personal identifying information to take out loans, credit cards, and open accounts like cellphones and utilities in your name. If you suspect your information has been taken, and you are a victim of identity theft, the following should be done:
Report the theft and get a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov, a one-stop website run by the Federal Trade Commission. You also can call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).
Make a police report and keep a copy on hand in case of future difficulties.
Make an online complaint at the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov, which receives reports of cybercrime and passes them along to the relevant authorities.
Your Social Security Number (SSN) is private, and you should not share with anyone. Photo: AARP
Call one of the three credit reporting agencies and place a credit freeze or fraud alert on your report. The one you call must notify the other two:
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
Monitor your credit reports closely for suspicious information. You can view free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Notify the IRS to prevent someone from filing a tax return using your Social Security number by visiting Identity Theft Central or calling 1-800-908-4490.
For more details, browse through documents like the Protect Yourself from Identity Thieves blog and the Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number guide.
Additional tips to protect your SSN personal information
Don't carry your Social Security card; keep it safely at home. Give out your SSN only when necessary. Update your passwords often, with different ones for every account, to minimize risks if one is ever broken into.
Enable multifactor authentication on weblog accounts for added security, requiring both a password and an alternate verification method.
Watch out for scammers posing as Social Security officials. If you receive suspicious calls, texts, or emails asking for your Social Security number information, do not respond—hang up and disregard. Report these schemes and learn more at Protect Yourself From Scams.
If you want more information, please check the Fraud Prevention and Reporting page.
