In this article:
- 1. Lock Your Social Security Number
- 2. Don't Carry Your Social Security Card
- 3. Don't Share Your SSN With Unsolicited Callers
- 4. Shred Documents That Include Your SSN
- 5. Don't Use Your SSN When Possible
- 6. Don't Send Your SSN by Email or Text Message
- 7. Don't Enter Your SSN on an Unprotected Network or Website
- 8. Create a Social Security Account
Your nine-digit Social Security number (SSN) can be key to securing a job, applying for credit and opening a bank account. Unfortunately, it's also a key that unlocks all sorts of opportunities for crooks, especially those looking to steal your identity or your money.
To steer clear of an SSN nightmare, keep your Social Security number safe by storing it in a secure location, not sharing it with other people and making other moves to prevent it from ending up in the wrong hands. Here are eight steps to take to keep your Social Security number safe.
1. Lock Your Social Security Number
You may not be aware of it, but you can lock your Social Security number to prevent unauthorized access if your SSN has been compromised.
To block electronic access to your SSN, call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213. Once you've made your request, any automated telephone and electronic access to your Social Security file is blocked.
When the file is blocked, neither you nor anyone else will be able to see or change personal information online or through the automated telephone service via the Social Security Administration. Once you decide to unblock your file, you can contact the Social Security Administration to ask that the block be removed. During that call, you'll need to prove your identity.
You also can lock your SSN by visiting the Department of Homeland Security's myE-Verify website. Activating the site's Self Lock feature can stop someone from using your SSN for employment fraud.
Keep in mind that you're not able to "freeze" your SSN, meaning that it can't be used at all.
Locking your SSN won't prevent new credit applications. If you want to safeguard against someone else opening credit in your name, you have the right to freeze your credit report with each credit bureau.
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2. Don't Carry Your Social Security Card
One of the easiest ways to keep your Social Security number safe is to not carry around your Social Security card. That way, you don't run the risk of it being lost or stolen when you're away from home.
The Social Security Administration suggests not carrying your card unless you must show it to an employer or service provider. At other times, the agency says, you should store your Social Security card with other important documents like passports, birth certificates and insurance policies—preferably in a locked box.
3. Don't Share Your SSN With Unsolicited Callers
Unless you're certain of a caller's identity, you should never share your Social Security number over the phone. The Social Security Administration advises to think of your SSN as "confidential information," avoiding giving it out.
Social Security representatives generally don't call people. If there's an issue with your Social Security number or Social Security card, the federal agency typically notifies you by mail. However, the agency will call you if you:
- Have recently applied for Social Security benefits
- Are currently receiving payments and need to update your record
- Have specifically requested a phone call from the Social Security Administration
If you receive an unsolicited call from the Social Security Administration, it could be a scam. When in doubt, hang up and report the call to the Office of the Inspector General using the Social Security Administration's online form.
4. Shred Documents That Include Your SSN
If you don't need to hang on to them, shred any documents that show your SSN. These may include:
- Tax returns
- Pay stubs
- Loan statements
- Medical bills
Ideally, you should use a micro-cut shredder to do the job, since it chops documents into smaller pieces than other shredders do.
5. Don't Use Your SSN When Possible
Social Security numbers are the No. 1 way that government agencies and private organizations identify Americans. But it's best to avoid using your SSN as a general form of ID if possible.
Instead of using your Social Security number, you may be able to substitute your passport or driver's license number for things like job applications. However, some government agencies, such as tax agencies and motor vehicle departments, can require you to provide your Social Security number.
When it comes to businesses, no law prohibits them from requesting your SSN. In fact, the business might deny service to you if you don't provide it. But if you'd rather not give up your SSN, ask if they will accept another form of ID or another unique identifying number.
6. Don't Send Your SSN by Email or Text Message
While it might be convenient, it's not safe to email or text your SSN. Why? Because a hacker might intercept the number and use it to commit fraud.
Safe alternatives to sending an SSN include:
- Password-protected and encrypted file-sharing services
- Secure online portals, such as those operated by banks and government agencies
- In person
- By certified mail
7. Don't Enter Your SSN on an Unprotected Network or Website
Entering your SSN on an unprotected network or website could lead to big trouble. If you send it through an unencrypted network or website—meaning data that's transmitted isn't scrambled—someone could snatch your Social Security number and use it for fraud.
To keep your SSN and other data safe, be sure you're using a secure network or website: The URL should start with "https" rather than "http," and it should be accompanied by a lock icon.
To boost the odds of logging in to a secure network, install and update security software, and consider using a virtual private network (VPN).
8. Create a Social Security Account
Want to keep tabs on your current or future Social Security benefits? You can do so without jotting your SSN down on a sticky note by setting up a free online Social Security account through the agency's website.
Among other things, an online account allows you to:
- Receive Social Security notices through the portal instead of by mail or email
- Look at estimates of the dollar amount for your future Social Security benefits
- Request a new Social Security card
- Check the status of your benefits application
- Change or set up direct deposits for your Social Security checks
Learn more >> How to Replace a Social Security Card
Steps to Take if Your Social Security Number Has Been Stolen
If you discover that your Social Security number has been stolen, act fast. Doing so can prevent or reduce any harm that the thief can do. Here are five steps to take if your SSN has been stolen.
1. Report Identity Theft
File an identity theft report with local police and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This is especially important if someone filed a tax return or an application for government benefits in your name, or used your SSN to open a new line of credit.
Learn more >> How to Report Identity Theft
2. Request a Fraud Alert
If you believe your SSN has been stolen but you're not certain whether it's been used to commit fraud, you have the right to place a fraud alert on your credit report. A fraud alert directs any business that checks your credit report to verify your identity before issuing new credit in your name.
When you place a fraud alert with one of the three national credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion or Equifax), it automatically takes effect at the two other credit bureaus.
3. Freeze Your Credit
You also have the right to ask for a credit freeze, also known as a security freeze.
This is a step up from a fraud alert. A security freeze restricts access to your credit report and helps stop crooks from opening credit card accounts, renting apartments or securing loans in your name.
It's worth noting that you must either temporarily or permanently lift the freeze before you can submit a legitimate credit application. You can freeze and "thaw" your credit report whenever you want with each major credit bureau.
Learn more >> Fraud Alert vs. Credit Freeze: What's the Difference?
4. Contact Affected Companies
Reach out to companies where your SSN was used to commit fraud. If you find out that fake accounts (such as credit card and checking accounts) were created using your SSN, tell each company that you're a victim of identity theft. The company can then close your account to help combat fraud.
5. Contact Government Agencies
Reach out to government agencies where your SSN was used to commit fraud. For instance, you'll need to notify the IRS if your SSN was used to file a phony tax return or the Social Security Administration if your SSN was used to fraudulently apply for benefits.
Learn more >> Steps to Take if Your Social Security Number Has Been Stolen
How to Avoid Social Security Scams
Social Security scams can target anyone at any age, though financial losses to these scams are highest for victims ages 70 to 84. Knowing what Social Security scams look like is a key part of defending yourself.
The Social Security Administration warns that fraudsters sometimes pose as government employees to trick you into supplying your Social Security number or other personal information. Of the roughly 27,000 Social Security scams reported to Social Security's Office of the Inspector General in the second quarter of 2024:
- Nearly half (45%) of scammers claimed there was an issue with the victim's Social Security number
- About 17% of Social Security scam victims reported being told there was an issue with their Social Security benefits
- A third of Social Security scams impersonated the government using spoofs of official-looking documents, such as with the Social Security logo
A fraudster might claim, for instance, that your identity has been stolen or that there's a problem with your Social Security number, record or benefits. If you receive a suspicious call about Social Security matters, end the call and contact the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector Genera l. Above all else, don't give the caller your Social Security number.
What Happens if Someone Gets My Social Security Number?
A scammer can do plenty of damage with your SSN. This could include:
- Getting credit cards and loans in your name
- Obtaining a fake driver's license
- Setting up a bank account in your name or getting access to your bank account
- Stealing government benefits, such as Social Security checks
- Submitting a phony tax return to carry out tax fraud
- Illegally obtaining a job in your name
How to Safely Store Your Social Security Number
You can take several steps to safely store your Social Security number. Among them are:
- Keep your Social Security card in a safe place at home.
- Memorize your SSN so you don't need to write it down or look at your Social Security card.
- Stash your SSN in a digital storage system known as an encrypted vault.
- Set up strong online passwords to help stop crooks from swiping your SSN and other digitally stored information.
- Look into a virtual private network, which can encrypt your internet traffic and funnel your online activity through a VPN server.
Learn more >> What Is Social Security Fraud?
The Bottom Line
Keeping your Social Security number safe can help prevent all kinds of trouble, such as credit card accounts being opened in your name and phony tax returns being filed in your name. When you guard your Social Security number like a dog guards its favorite toy, you're going a long way toward improving privacy and security.
