Can you put a freeze on your Social Security number?

You can't put a "freeze" on your SSN like a credit freeze, but you can lock it for specific uses, primarily through the E-Verify Self Lock feature to stop employment fraud and by blocking electronic access via the SSA website to prevent online record theft. A credit freeze at the three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) is a separate, crucial step that stops new credit from being opened in your name, while these SSN locks protect against specific types of misuse, like employment verification or online account hacking.

Is it a good idea to freeze your Social Security number?

Yes, you should consider locking your Social Security number (SSN) to protect against identity theft, especially if your information has been compromised or you fear fraud, using methods like the SSA's "Self Lock" for employment fraud or freezing your credit with the major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) to prevent new credit accounts from being opened in your name. Locking your SSN prevents its use for employment or online accounts, while a credit freeze stops lenders from accessing your credit report, both offering significant protection against criminals using your SSN for financial gain. 

How do I put a freeze on a Social Security number?

You can "freeze" your Social Security Number (SSN) primarily through the Department of Homeland Security's myE-Verify portal using the "Self Lock" feature, which stops it from being misused for employment verification in E-Verify for one year, and you can also place a credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to block new credit accounts, both offering significant identity theft protection. 

Does the IRS recommend locking your SSN?

Consider locking your SSN through the Department of Homeland Security to prevent anyone else from using your SSN for employment purposes. You have the option to submit a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit online, or by printing Form 14039 PDF if you are the victim of tax-related identity theft PDF.

How can I protect myself if my Social Security number is compromised?

5 steps to take if your Social Security number is stolen

1. Freeze your credit immediately. A credit freeze makes it much harder for someone to open a new account in your name. ...
2. Notify the IRS. ...
3. File an identity theft report. ...
4. Monitor your credit and bank accounts. ...
5. Protect your bank accounts.

How To Freeze My Social Security Number? - CountyOffice.org

Can someone access your bank account if they have your SSN?

An identity thief could try to use your Social Security number to do things like open accounts, take out a loan, file taxes, or get a job.

What's the worst thing someone can do with your Social Security number?

Some of the worst-case scenarios linked to SSN fraud include criminals opening bank accounts under a fake or someone else's identity, using newly obtained credit cards for fraudulent transactions, or even accessing medical services and receiving huge loans, putting the businesses and their victims behind in debt.

Can freezing my SSN affect my credit?

There's no cost to place or lift a credit freeze, and it doesn't affect your credit score. You don't have to wait for your Social Security number or other information to be exposed in a data breach or misused by an identity thief to get a credit freeze.

How can I put a red flag on my Social Security number?

To "red flag" your Social Security Number (SSN) from fraud, you need to report it to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov and the SSA OIG oig.ssa.gov, then place a fraud alert/credit freeze with one of the three credit bureaus, and monitor your credit and ssa.gov/myaccount for suspicious activity. This protects against new accounts and uncovers existing misuse, giving you a personalized recovery plan.
 

What are the three things the IRS will never do and are signs of a scammer?

Here is a list of things a tax scammer will do but The IRS will never do: Call, text, or email you and demand immediate payment. Demand payment without any chance to appeal or question the amount due. Threaten to have you arrested.

Can locking my SSN prevent identity theft?

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.

How do I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number?

To check if someone is using your Social Security Number (SSN), monitor your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com, review your Social Security Statement at ssa.gov/myaccount, and watch for IRS alerts or strange mail/bills, as these actions reveal new accounts, incorrect work history, or tax fraud. Report any suspicious activity to IdentityTheft.gov, the official FTC site for identity theft recovery. 

Can I lock my SSN online for free?

You can lock your Social Security Number (SSN) for free online primarily through the myE-Verify system, which uses a "Self Lock" to stop employment fraud by preventing unauthorized use of your SSN by employers. You can also request a block on electronic access with the SSA, though this restricts your own online access, and you should also consider credit freezes with the three bureaus. 

How much does it cost to lock my SSN?

Locking your SSN is one of the best ways to protect yourself from identity theft, and you can do it for free.

What is happening on March 31, 2025 with Social Security?

At the conclusion of the transition period, on March 31, 2025, SSA will enforce online digital identity proofing and in-person identity proofing. SSA will permit individuals who do not or cannot use the agency's online “my Social Security” services to start their claim for benefits on the telephone.

What are the three ways you can lose your Social Security?

You can lose Social Security benefits by working while collecting early, leading to earnings limits; incarceration, which suspends payments; or through garnishment for federal debts like taxes, student loans, or child support, along with other factors like remarriage or changes in disability status. 

How do I protect my SSN if I think it was hacked?

If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).

Can I put an alert on my SSN?

Yes, you can put alerts on your Social Security Number (SSN) through the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to warn lenders about potential fraud, and you can also use services like E-Verify's Self Lock to block its use for employment verification. Placing a free fraud alert requires contacting one bureau, which notifies the others, making it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. 

How can I put a flag on my Social Security number?

How to put a flag on your social security number or credit report

1. Contact one of the three credit reporting agencies (Transunion, Equifax, or Experian). ...
2. After a few days, check with the other two credit bureaus to verify that they've received the fraud alert as well.

Should you freeze your SSN?

Yes, you should consider locking your Social Security number (SSN) to protect against identity theft, especially if your information has been compromised or you fear fraud, using methods like the SSA's "Self Lock" for employment fraud or freezing your credit with the major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) to prevent new credit accounts from being opened in your name. Locking your SSN prevents its use for employment or online accounts, while a credit freeze stops lenders from accessing your credit report, both offering significant protection against criminals using your SSN for financial gain. 

Can someone pull my credit if it's frozen?

Locking or freezing your Equifax credit report will prevent access to it by certain third parties. Locking or freezing your Equifax credit report will not prevent access to your credit report at any other credit bureau.

What is one of the biggest mistakes people make regarding Social Security?

Claiming Benefits Too Early

One of the biggest mistakes people make is claiming Social Security benefits as soon as they're eligible, which is at age 62. While getting money sooner can be tempting, claiming early has a significant downside: your monthly benefit will be reduced.

What are signs someone is using my SSN?

Warning signs

Watch for unusual activity with your tax and Social Security accounts or personal and financial information, like: Tax return rejected. Form W-2 or Form 1099 from employer you didn't work for. Form 1099-G unemployment benefits you didn't get or apply for.

What is the #1 most common form of identity theft?

1. Financial Identity Theft. Financial identity theft is perhaps the most common type of identity theft. It involves an unauthorized person gaining access to and using another person's financial information.

What is a credit lock vs credit freeze?

A credit freeze and a credit lock both restrict access to your credit report to prevent fraud, but a freeze is free, federally mandated, and offers stronger legal protection, while a lock is often a paid convenience with faster app-based management but operates under private terms, making freezes ideal for permanent protection and locks better for frequent, quick changes. Freezes are set up with each bureau individually (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) and are better if you've been a victim of identity theft, while locks offer instant control for those who frequently apply for new credit.