Social Security identity theft happens when someone uses your Social Security number or other personal data to commit fraud.
Criminals use stolen Social Security numbers to open credit accounts, get medical care, or file false tax returns.
The Social Security Administration warns that identity theft can damage your credit and affect your Social Security record.
What are common ways criminals steal Social Security numbers?
Thieves obtain Social Security numbers through data breaches, phishing emails, mailed documents, and stolen wallets.
Scammers also use phone calls or text messages to trick people into giving their number.
Public records and social media can supply pieces of information that criminals combine to impersonate you.
The Federal Trade Commission explains that unusual bills or charges and notices from the IRS can be signs that someone used your identity.
How can Social Security identity theft affect my accounts and benefits?
Someone who uses your Social Security number may open accounts in your name, get credit cards, or receive medical treatment using your insurance.
Tax identity theft can occur when a thief files a tax return in your name to claim a refund.
Fraudulent activity can also disrupt your earnings record with Social Security, which can affect future benefits.
The SSA provides steps to report misuse and to request corrections to your earnings record.
What are the warning signs that my Social Security number has been misused?
Warning signs include bills for accounts you did not open, calls from debt collectors about unfamiliar debts, medical bills for services you did not receive, and notices from the IRS about multiple tax returns.
You may also receive credit denials for unexplained reasons. The FTC and SSA both advise monitoring credit reports and statements to spot these signs quickly.
How can I prevent Social Security identity theft as an individual?
Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Give your number only when required and ask why it is needed.
Shred documents that contain personal information before disposal. Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication on accounts.
Check your credit report at least once a year and consider freezing your credit if your number is exposed.
The SSA recommends creating a my Social Security account and avoiding sharing your number online.
What immediate steps should I take if my Social Security number is stolen?
Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov and follow the recovery plan there.
Contact the Social Security Administration to report a stolen number and to ask about blocking electronic access when appropriate.
Place fraud alerts or freezes with the three credit bureaus and notify banks and medical providers of suspected fraud.
Keep records of all reports and communications.
What can organizations and agencies do to reduce Social Security identity theft?
Organizations should limit unnecessary use of Social Security numbers and protect databases with strong access controls.
Government agencies and businesses must follow privacy practices that reduce public exposure of sensitive data.
The Social Security Administration and its Office of Inspector General provide reporting tools for fraud and recommend secure handling of personal data.
Regular audits and staff training help reduce the risk of internal misuse.
What long-term protections are available and when should I change my Social Security number?
Long-term protections include credit freezes, identity monitoring, and careful monitoring of your Social Security earnings record.
Changing your Social Security number is rare, and the SSA allows it only in limited cases, such as ongoing harassment or when the number was used for decades of sustained fraud that cannot be resolved.
Before applying for a new number, consult the SSA guidance and prepare supporting evidence.
Identity theft can take time to surface, and you may not notice it until several months after initial misuse. Monitoring accounts and acting quickly reduces long-term harm.
If you suspect misuse of your Social Security number, keep copies of police reports and correspondence with agencies.
Legal advice may help if the fraud is complex or affects immigration and employment records.
Staying informed about common scams will make you less likely to give away critical personal data.
