Social Security Identity Theft Description: How It Happens and How to Protect Yourself

When someone illegally uses your Social Security number (SSN) or associated personal data to commit fraud, that is Social Security identity theft. 

This form of identity theft can lead to credit damage, false employment records, unauthorized benefits claims, and more. 

What is Social Security identity theft?

Social Security identity theft occurs when a person obtains your SSN (or related personal information) and uses it without your consent to impersonate you. 

They might get credit in your name, file taxes, secure employment, or even claim government benefits under your identity.

This is closely tied to Social Security fraud, which generally means misusing SSA programs or your number for gain.

How do thieves get your Social Security number?

Criminals use various methods to steal your SSN or personal data:

1. Stealing your wallet, purse, or mail, which can contain documents showing your SSN.
2. Phishing scams—fraudulent emails, texts or calls that trick you into giving personal data (SSN, birthdate, account numbers).
3. Data breaches or leaks from companies, government, or organizations storing customer data.
4. “Inside sources” or corrupt employees who sell or leak information.
5. Searching trash or discarded documents for personal info (e.g. bank statements, tax forms).
6. Identity impersonation scams, including those that pretend to be from SSA, using spoofed caller ID or official-sounding voices.

What are the risks and consequences?

If your SSN is misused, consequences can include:

1. Credit problems—unauthorized debt or accounts under your name
2. Employment record falsification—someone working under your SSN makes false reports on your earnings statement
3. Tax fraud—fraudulent tax returns filed under your identity
4. Unauthorized benefits claims—someone may claim Social Security benefits using your identity
5. Denial of benefits or processing delays—SSA may deny or delay your legitimate benefits if your record is flagged
6. Damage to reputation and increased effort to resolve issues

Stolen SSNs are used to get credit, gain employment, or hide identities.

How do you detect Social Security identity theft?

Look out for these warning signs:

1. Your earnings statement shows work or income in years you did not work
2. You are denied credit for no apparent reason
3. You see accounts or debts you did not open
4. You receive IRS or state tax notices that someone else used your SSN to file
5. Your benefit payments are interrupted unexpectedly
6. You receive notices that your SSN has been used in government records you did not initiate
7. Telephone or mail solicitations claiming problems with your SSA or SSN.

If you see any of these, act quickly to protect your identity.

What immediate steps should you take if you suspect your SSN is stolen?

If you believe you’re a victim, here’s what to do:

1. Report to SSA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) via the fraud reporting or hotline (1-800-269-0271).
2. Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via IdentityTheft.gov.
3. Contact the IRS, especially if you suspect tax fraud, and file Form 14039 (identity theft affidavit) if needed.
4. Freeze your credit/place fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus.
5. Monitor your credit reports and SSA earnings statements for fraud or unauthorized activity.
6. Secure your SSA record — request an electronic access block if someone has compromised your record.
7. Document everything—dates, correspondence, who you contacted.

These steps help limit damage and aid recovery.

How does SSA help protect your SSN and personal data?

SSA has fraud prevention measures you can use:

1. You can request blocks on electronic access (this prevents any online or automated access to your record until you lift it).
2. SSA monitors and investigates fraud through its OIG.
3. They encourage you to use Secure My Social Security accounts and protect your login credentials.
4. SSA publishes guidance to help you protect your SSN and identity.
5. They are increasingly stricter verification procedures (e.g., requiring in-person identity proof for certain changes) to reduce fraud.

What preventive practices protect your SSN?

To reduce your risk:

1. Never routinely carry your SSN card or documents that display your number.
2. Do not share your SSN unless it’s absolutely necessary; question requests for it.
3. Use multi-factor authentication and strong passwords for online accounts.
4. Ask whether the entity requesting your SSN must really use it; request alternate identifiers when possible.
5. Protect your devices: use security updates, antivirus software, firewalls, and secure WiFi.
6. Monitor your credit report, bank accounts, and SSA earnings statements periodically.
7. Shred documents containing personal data before disposing.
8. Be cautious of unsolicited calls or emails claiming to be from SSA or other agencies demanding your SSN—these may be scams.