How do I lock my Social Security number?

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).

How much does it cost to lock your Social Security number?

There is NO COST to place or lift a security freeze. For more information, see detailed instructions entitled “Placing a Security Freeze on Your Credit Report to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft” below. 5. Review your credit reports carefully.

What does it mean to lock your Social Security number?

Locking your Social Security number prevents anyone — including you — from changing or accessing your Social Security record. If your Social Security number is compromised and you're already the victim of identity theft, act quickly to safeguard your personal information.

Can your SSN get locked?

If you have reason to think you might be targeted for identity theft, one option to protect yourself is to lock your Social Security number (SSN) so no one can use it. Whether or not you should take that step, also known as “freezing” your SSN, depends on several factors.

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

Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 1-800-908-4490 or visit them online, if you believe someone is using your SSN to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes.

How To Protect Your Social Security Number | Protect Your SSN - Latest Video

Will I be notified if someone used my SSN?

By checking your bank statements and credit card statements, you can determine whether someone has conducted fraudulent transactions on your accounts. Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing whether someone has your Social Security number until they use it.

Can you change your SSN?

To request a different Social Security number, contact your local Social Security office for an in-person appointment.

How do I freeze my Social Security number with the credit bureau?

What can someone access my SSN?

Once someone has your Social Security number, they can essentially become you. They may be able to collect tax refunds, collect benefits and income, commit crimes, make purchases, set up phone numbers and websites, establish residences, and use health insurance—all in your name.

How do I flag my Social Security number to the IRS?

If you believe someone may have used your SSN fraudulently, please notify IRS immediately by responding to the name and number printed on the notice or letter. You will need to fill out the IRS Identity Theft Affidavit, Form 14039.

What do I do if my SSN is stolen?

Can someone open a credit card in my name without my Social Security number?

An identity thief would have to obtain personal details such as your name, birthdate and Social Security number in order to open a credit card in your name. However, it is a federal crime to do this, and it can result in jail time when the thief is caught for their behavior.

Can a credit freeze stop identity theft?

A security freeze, also known as a credit freeze, is one way you can help protect your personal information against fraud or identity theft.

Can I unfreeze my SSN?

If you wish to either temporarily or permanently lift your freeze, you can do so online at Experian's Freeze Center by creating an account or logging in to your Experian account.

How long does a credit freeze last?

Duration: A credit freeze lasts until you remove it. How to place: Contact each of the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Can I change my SSN due to identity theft?

Yes, but it is not easy. If you can show that you are in danger due to domestic violence or other abuse, or you are experiencing significant, ongoing financial harm due to identity theft, Social Security can assign you a different number.

Can you get a new SSN if your identity is stolen?

If you decide to apply for a new number, you'll need to prove your identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or immigration status. For more information, ask for Your Social Security Number and Card (Publication Number 05-10002). You'll also need to provide evidence that you're having ongoing problems because of the misuse.

Can you have 2 Social Security numbers?

1401.7Can a person have more than one SSN? Most persons have only one SSN. In certain limited situations, SSA can assign you a new number. If you receive a new SSN, you should use the new number.

Can someone open a bank account in your name without you knowing?

Because there is no consumer victim to report a stolen identity, accounts opened by synthetic identities often go undetected.

How can I find out if someone is using my identity?

Is it better to freeze your credit or lock it?

A key difference is that it's simpler to unlock a credit lock than it is to “thaw” a credit freeze. But a freeze may afford legal protections that a lock doesn't. Know what's happening with your free credit report and know when and why your score changes.

What is the difference between a credit lock and a security freeze?

Differences between a credit freeze and a credit lock

And under a federal law passed in 2018, credit bureaus are required to let you freeze and unfreeze your credit free of charge. A credit lock is simply an agreement between you and a credit bureau to pause any new accounts in your name.

How to find out if someone opened a bank account in your name?

One way to find out if there are fraudulent accounts in your name is to check your credit reports regularly. Pull your credit reports (you're entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies once a year), then check the accounts to see that everything listed belongs to you.

What information does a scammer need to open a credit card?

An identity thief would have to obtain personal details such as your name, birthdate and Social Security number in order to open a credit card in your name.

What happens if your Social Security number gets hacked?

And a stolen SSN gives them plenty of opportunities to steal your money or destroy your credit. In 2020 alone, there were 363,092 cases of fraud by new credit card accounts [*]. With just your SSN, name, and address, fraudsters can take out a credit card or loan in your name.