Social Security numbers are vital for getting jobs, filing taxes, receiving government benefits and much more. If your unique, nine-digit number falls into the wrong hands, it could have disastrous consequences for your finances. Fraudsters may steal your money or tank your credit.
This type of identity theft is a very real threat. In 2024, nearly 3 billion Social Security numbers were reportedly compromised in a single hack. But taking steps such as freezing your credit and blocking electronic access to your SSN with the Social Security Administration can reduce your risk.
How to lock your Social Security number for free
There are a couple of things you can do to restrict the use of your Social Security number: block electronic access to your SSN and lock it with E-Verify.
How to block electronic access to your Social Security number
Blocking electronic access to your SSN prevents anyone, even you, from obtaining or modifying your personal information with the Social Security Administration online or through the automated phone service. You can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to request a block. You’ll need to call again and verify your identity if you want to remove the block.
How to lock your Social Security number with E-Verify
E-Verify is a system many employers use to confirm people’s employment eligibility. You can create a myE-Verify account to place a “Self Lock” with E-Verify. Locking your SSN prevents anyone else from using it to authorize employment in E-Verify. The lock stays in place as long as your account is valid or until you unlock it.
While this move helps prevent others from using your SSN for employment fraud, it will also prevent employers from confirming your own legitimate work eligibility. Be sure to unlock your SSN before starting a new job.
Can you freeze your Social Security number?
You can’t put a freeze on your Social Security number the same way you can freeze your credit, but aside from blocking electronic access to your SSN, there are other ways to guard your information.
Freeze and monitor your credit reports
Freezing your credit report, also known as a security freeze, can prevent scammers from using your Social Security number to open credit accounts in your name. Lenders can’t pull your credit file when it’s frozen, so they’re unlikely to approve credit applications. You can also freeze your child’s credit to help stop someone from using their SSN to take out loans and credit cards.
Placing a freeze is free and doesn’t affect your credit score. Note that you need to freeze your credit individually with each major credit bureau, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. If you plan to apply for new credit, you’ll have to lift the freeze; you can unfreeze your credit indefinitely or for a specified period of time.
Make sure to periodically check your credit reports for signs of fraud, such as accounts you didn’t open or addresses that aren’t yours (you can do this for free as often as once a week through AnnualCreditReport.com). Dispute any inaccuracies with the credit bureaus.
Make an account with the Social Security Administration
Create a my Social Security account online to manage or estimate your benefits and update your contact information. The Social Security Administration says that opening an account is important because it stops someone else from making an account in your name.
Keep your Social Security card in a safe place
The Social Security Administration advises not regularly carrying your Social Security card or other documents that contain your SSN with you. Leave your records at home and out of plain sight.
Don’t give out your SSN unnecessarily
There are times you can expect to share your Social Security number, such as when you apply for an apartment or a credit card. Other times, it may not be necessary. When you’re asked for your number, the Social Security Administration recommends asking the requester why it’s needed, how it will be used, and what happens if you decline to share it.
If you receive a call, text, or email asking for your SSN, it’s likely a scam. Scammers often impersonate employers or the Social Security Administration to get money or sensitive information from people .
Protect yourself from in-person threats too; don’t say your number out loud in public or leave it visible to onlookers.
Consider using an identity theft protection service
Paying for an identity theft protection service might be worth it if you don’t want to freeze your credit or take the time to inspect your reports. Some services, such as Aura and LifeLock, will notify you if your SSN is found on the dark web or is used to apply for financial accounts.
If your Social Security number has been compromised, it’s important to take immediate action to protect yourself. Here are steps you can take to safeguard your information:
1. **Freeze your credit reports:** Contact all three major credit bureaus to freeze your credit reports. This will prevent unauthorized access to your credit information and provide an extra layer of security.
2. **Report identity theft:** If you suspect that your SSN has been compromised, report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Visit identitytheft.gov to file a report and get guidance on the next steps to take.
3. **Get an identity protection PIN:** Obtain an identity protection PIN from the IRS. This six-digit number will help verify your identity when filing your tax return, reducing the risk of someone else using your SSN. You can get an IP PIN by signing in or creating an account on the IRS website.
4. **Replace your Social Security card:** If your Social Security card has been lost or stolen, request a replacement online or at your local Social Security office. Keep in mind that there are limits to how many times you can replace your card within a year or a lifetime.
By following these steps, you can minimize the impact of SSN compromise and protect yourself from further identity theft risks. phrase: “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”
Rewritten phrase: “The fast brown fox leaps over the unmotivated dog.”