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

Locking your Social Security Number (SSN) itself isn't a direct service, but you can use free credit freezes with the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to block access to your credit file, preventing new accounts from being opened. You can also use the free E-Verify Self Lock to stop misuse for employment verification. These are free, but if you use a paid identity theft service like LifeLock, you'll pay monthly fees for added monitoring and features.

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 to freeze your SSN for free?

You can lock your Social Security Number (SSN) for free using the myE-Verify "Self Lock" feature, which prevents unauthorized use for employment verification by creating a secure online account with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and placing a lock on your SSN, requiring you to unlock it before starting a new job. While this stops employment fraud, it doesn't freeze your credit; for that, you need to place separate credit freezes with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. 

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.

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.

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Should I freeze my credit if someone has my Social Security number?

A credit freeze is always a good idea, but it's even more important if your Social Security number or other information is exposed in a data breach or if an identity thief has misused your information. Who can place one: Anyone can freeze their credit report, for any reason, even if their identity hasn't been stolen.

Can I check to see if my SSN has been compromised?

To check if your SSN is compromised, monitor your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com, review your my Social Security account for work/earnings discrepancies, check bank/credit card statements for fraud, and watch for unusual IRS notices or debt collector calls, as thieves use SSNs for loans, jobs, and tax fraud, so constant vigilance is key. 

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.

Should I be worried if my SSN is on the dark web?

Yes, you should be worried if your SSN is on the dark web, as it's a prime target for identity thieves to open credit, file fake tax returns, get medical care, or steal benefits; you need to act fast by placing credit freezes, setting up fraud alerts, monitoring accounts (credit, financial, SSA.gov), and securing online accounts with strong passwords and 2FA. 

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 if someone opens my credit card in my name?

If a credit card was opened in your name, act immediately: contact the card issuer's fraud department, freeze your credit with all three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion), report the identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov, file a local police report, and change passwords for financial accounts to secure your identity and prevent further damage. 

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. 

Can you put your Social Security on pause?

Yes, you can voluntarily "pause" (suspend) your Social Security retirement benefits after you've reached your Full Retirement Age (FRA) up to age 70, earning higher payments later, but other benefits on your record (like spousal benefits) also stop, and you must pay your Medicare premiums manually. You request suspension by phone, in writing, or at a local SSA office, and benefits resume automatically at 70 or when you ask, with no need to repay past benefits if you suspended at FRA. 

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.

How do I delete SSN from the dark web?

Discovering that your Social Security Number has been exposed on the dark web is no doubt concerning , but taking decisive, informed action can significantly mitigate potential damage. Sadly, it's impossible to remove a SSN from the dark web.

How do you put a lock on your Social Security number?

You can "lock" your Social Security Number (SSN) primarily through the Department of Homeland Security's myE-Verify system, which blocks its use for employment verification to prevent job fraud, or by contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA) to prevent electronic access to your account for general fraud. Locking via E-Verify involves creating an account, answering security questions, and activating the "Self Lock" feature, while contacting the SSA requires calling them to request a block on electronic access to your records. 

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 is the most common way people get their identity stolen?

How identity theft happens

• Steal your wallet or purse to get ID, credit, or bank cards.
• Go through your trash to retrieve bank statements or tax documents.
• Install skimmers at ATM machines, cash registers, and fuel pumps to digitally steal information from your bank card.

What can a scammer do with the last 4 digits of SSN?

A scammer with the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number (SSN), combined with other info like your name, can use it as a key to impersonate you for verification, potentially accessing bank accounts, opening new lines of credit, filing fraudulent tax returns, or getting benefits, especially when paired with other personal details they can find online (like birthdate, address) to "socially engineer" their way in. While not enough for a new SSN, it's a critical piece of data for identity fraud. 

What should you not do with your SSN?

There are several things you should do to prevent identity theft:

• Do not routinely carry your SSN.
• Never say your SSN aloud in public.
• Beware of phishing scams (emails, internet links, and phone calls) trying to trick you into revealing personal information.

What is the best identity theft protection?

The "best" identity theft protection depends on your needs, but top-rated services like Aura, Identity Guard, and LifeLock consistently rank high for comprehensive monitoring, AI-powered alerts, and robust recovery services, with Aura often praised for family features, Identity Guard for AI & value (especially family plans), and LifeLock for overall strong protection, including antivirus. For free, proactive protection, consider credit freezes through the major bureaus. 

Should I be worried if my information is on the Dark Web?

Yes, you should be concerned if your information is on the dark web, as it signals a data breach and potential risk for identity theft or scams, but panic isn't necessary; instead, take immediate action to secure accounts by changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), monitoring financial statements, and potentially freezing your credit to mitigate damage, as removing data from the dark web is nearly impossible. 

What is the downside of freezing your credit?

Yes, freezing your credit has downsides, primarily the inconvenience of having to temporarily unfreeze it (thaw) for legitimate applications (loans, new cards), managing separate PINs for each bureau (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion), and potential delays in getting approved for credit. While excellent for fraud prevention, it requires planning and doesn't stop other forms of identity theft or all credit checks (like soft inquiries for offers or existing accounts). 

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.