How do I stop someone from using 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).

What do I do if someone else 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. Order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).

How do you put an alert on your Social Security number?

How can I prevent someone from stealing my Social Security number?

How much does it cost to freeze 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.

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

Can someone access my bank account with my Social Security number?

Without additional information, no one could access your bank account with your Social Security number alone. In terms of bank security, you should worry about other things like a poor password, lack of two-factor authentication, and general carelessness when online banking.

Can Social Security numbers be deactivated?

SSA does not delete, destroy, rescind, inactivate, or cancel SSNs once they are assigned.

Can I freeze my SSN online?

There are measures you can take to help prevent further unauthorized use of your SSN and other personal information. You can lock your SSN by calling the Social Security Administration or by creating an E-Verify account. Also, you can contact all three of the nationwide CRAs to place a freeze on your credit reports.

What are three warning signs of identity theft?

How do I get my Social Security number unlocked?

We lock your account to protect your information. If you are locked out of your account, you can call our my Social Security Help Desk at 1-800-772-1213 from Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET.

Should I freeze my Social Security number?

Your Social Security number can be valuable information for identity thieves. Consider placing a security freeze or fraud alert on your credit reports if your Social Security card is lost.

How can I tell if someone is trying to use my Social Security number?

To see if someone's using your SSN, check your credit report. You can check it online through AnnualCreditReport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports. Or you can call their phone number at 1-877-322-8228 to request your free copy.

Can you change your Social Security number if your identity is stolen?

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.

What happens if a hacker gets your Social Security number?

With your SSN and other personal information easily found online, scammers can commit credit card fraud, open new accounts, and receive medical care in your name — as well as divert your Social Security benefits.

How can I check if someone is using my identity?

What is a red flag for ID theft?

Red Flags are suspicious patterns or practices, or specific activities that indicate the possibility of identity theft. For example, if a customer has to provide some form of identification to open an account with your company, an ID that doesn't look genuine is a “red flag” for your business.

How can I find out if someone opened an account in my name?

The best way to find out if someone has opened an account in your name is to pull your own credit reports to check. Note that you'll need to pull your credit reports from all three bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — to check for fraud since each report may have different information and reporting.

Can I suspend my Social Security and restart later?

If you have reached full retirement age, but are not yet age 70, you can ask us to suspend your retirement benefit payments. By doing this, you will earn delayed retirement credits for each month your benefits are suspended which will result in a higher benefit payment to you.

How to freeze your Social Security number with credit bureau?

Can you put a red flag on your Social Security number?

There are a few ways you can flag your social security number. The primary way to do this is to through a fraud alert, which will put extra protections in place for people trying to access or use your social security number or other private account details associated with your credit.

How long does it take to change Social Security number?

If the SSA has all the information it needs, you could receive your new Social Security card in as little as one week, depending on your situation.

What does it mean to put a lock on your Social Security number?

Self Lock helps protect you from employment-related identity fraud. Self Lock is the unique feature that lets you protect your identity in E-Verify and Self Check by placing a "lock" in E-Verify on your Social Security number (SSN). This helps prevent anyone else from using your SSN for an E-Verify case.

How many times can you replace your Social Security number?

You may receive no more than three replacement social security number cards in a year and ten replacement social security number cards per lifetime.

How many times can you get a new Social Security number?

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (IRTPA) of 2004 (Public Law 108-458 ) limits the number of replacement SSN cards an individual may receive to 3 per year and 10 in a lifetime, beginning with cards issued on or after December 17, 2005.

Do I need to contact Social Security for identity theft?

With a Social Security Number (SSN), a thief can unlock everything from credit history and credit line to tax refunds and medical care. In extreme cases, thieves can use it to impersonate others. So, if you suspect your number is lost or stolen, it's important to report identity theft to Social Security right away.