In this article:
Identity theft and fraud protection for your finances, personal info, and devices.
What Can Scammers Do With Your SSN?
While names are still the most exposed credentials in data breaches, Social Security numbers (SSNs) come in second [*]. Your SSN gives a direct line of sight to your identity, finances, and credit records — making it an ideal target for scammers.
In 2023, Social Security numbers were exposed in 69% of all data breaches, up 60% from 2022 [*].
If criminals manage to compromise your SSN, they could open bank accounts, obtain credit cards, access medical care, and claim tax returns. Worst of all? Thieves can commit crimes in your name and rack up debt — damaging your standing with banks and credit reporting agencies.
6 Ways To Tell If Someone Is Using Your SSN
SSN theft is hard to identify until scammers use the stolen SSN — like applying for a line of credit. If you think your SSN was stolen or leaked, here’s how to know for sure:
Check your credit reports for fraudulent loans and accounts
Identity thieves are almost always financially motivated and may use your SSN to take out loans or open new accounts in your name.
- Order your credit reports. All Americans are entitled to receive free credit reports from each of the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can order yours by visiting annualcreditreport.com.
- Verify personal information. Scammers may edit profile details. Check to ensure that sensitive information is correct, including your name, address, SSN, and employment information.
- Examine accounts and payment histories. If your personally identifiable information (PII) was used to take on new credit or open a loan, credit reporting agencies will make a record of it — possibly adjusting your credit score as a result. Look for errors or unfamiliar transactions, and dispute these entries immediately with the respective credit reporting agency.
📚 Related: How To Check If Someone Opened an Account in Your Name →
Review your earnings in your Social Security Statement
A scammer can use your stolen SSN to get a job or claim unemployment benefits in your name. If this happens, any illegal income will appear on your Social Security Statement.
- Order your Social Security Statement. You can create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount to view your statement online. Alternatively, you can print, complete, and send Form SSA-7004 to submit your request by mail. However, be aware that receiving your information this way can take 4–6 weeks.
- Review your statement for inaccuracies. All reported earnings, benefits, and taxes should match expectations, depending on your job and income sources.
- Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to report potential fraud. If you spot any inaccuracies or suspicious activity, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
Look for unexpected charges and changes to your bank account statements
Thieves often try making small transactions with stolen account details before draining their victims’ savings or attempting larger purchases.
- Gather your statements. Order paper statements from each financial institution to cross-reference spending against digital records in your mobile banking apps. But remember to consider delays with mail delivery — it's best to review your paper statements as soon as they arrive.
- Review all linked accounts. Sometimes, you can miss fraudulent activity on a sub-account; review all transactions across your checking, savings, and credit accounts.
- Request more information from your bank or vendor. If you find unfamiliar purchases or direct debits on your bank statements, request more information from merchants. If you can’t get assistance at the source, contact your bank.
📚 Related: What Is Credit Card Fraud (and How Do You Stop It?) →
Watch incoming mail — especially credit card offers or unexpected statements
While experienced thieves may attempt to change your address to cover their tracks, many warning signs of SSN theft can appear in your mailbox.
- Look for unfamiliar bills. A clear sign indicating that you’re the victim of fraud is receiving a bill or statement from a financial institution or debt collection agency. If you receive strange bills in your name (or someone else's), call the companies involved to investigate.
- Be aware of credit offers. If you receive prescreened offers for accounts you don’t recognize (or in your child’s name), contact the financial institution in question right away — especially if you’ve already opted out of receiving these offers at optoutprescreen.com.
Follow up on notices from government agencies, such as the IRS
Any untoward activity related to your taxes, employment benefits, or healthcare should be taken seriously.
- Respond immediately to tax return issues. If the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) flags a tax refund in your name as suspicious, the bureau will contact you. Similarly, if you believe someone is using your SSN to claim taxes or benefits, report the fraud to the IRS at 1-800-908-4490 or visit the IRS online.
- Examine your Medicare history. Identity thieves can use a stolen SSN to siphon medical treatment or access prescriptions. You can review claims on your Medicare account online or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). If you find evidence of fraud on your Medicare account, submit a complaint to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
📚 Related: Someone Stole My Tax Refund Check! What Can I Do? →
Use a Dark Web scanning service to alert you of data breaches
The Dark Web is a haven for identity thieves, hackers, and scammers to buy and sell stolen personal data — including credit card details, birth certificates, and Social Security numbers. Although you can’t wipe your information from the Dark Web, knowing if your sensitive data is exposed can give you a chance to pre-empt attempted scams or fraud.
- Check your risk of data exposure for free. Free tools are limited, which isn’t ideal when your finances are at risk. However, for a quick check, you can use sites like haveibeenpwned.com to scan and check if your email address has been compromised in recent data breaches.
- Get comprehensive coverage with a premium service. Identity Guard scans the Dark Web, public records, and online sites for your personal data, including your SSN. You'll receive fraud alerts in near real-time and support from Identity Guard's dedicated team of Fraud Resolution Specialists.
How To Stop Someone From Using Your SSN
- Freeze your credit with all three bureaus. This prevents scammers from using your SSN to open new accounts. You must request a credit freeze with each of the three major credit bureaus individually — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
- File an official identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is responsible for investigating fraud in the United States. You can file a report at IdentityTheft.gov to provide evidence and start the investigation. The FTC will provide you with an affidavit and fraud recovery plan.
- Contact local law enforcement. While there is no guarantee that you’ll get your money back, filing a police report can help authorities track the criminals and protect others from falling victim. Bring your FTC report and supporting evidence to assist the fraud department at your local police station.
- Claim your my Social Security online account. The Social Security Administration (SSA) website offers a key feature called my Social Security account. Set up this profile yourself before someone else creates one in your name.
- “Self Lock” your SSN online. This feature on the E-Verify website stops others from using your SSN for employment-related fraud. When employers check a locked SSN on the E-Verify site, the SSN’s legitimate owner will receive a warning about potential fraud.
- Sign up for an IRS Identity Protection PIN. An IP PIN is a six-digit number that prevents unauthorized individuals from filing a tax return with a stolen SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You can order your IP PIN through your online IRS account.
- Submit a Social Security fraud report. When you know someone is using your Social Security number, you should report the fraud immediately to the SSA's Office of the Inspector General. Provide as much evidence as possible to aid the OIG’s investigation. You can submit your report online at oig.ssa.gov/report/ or by calling 1-800-269-0271.
- Question why someone would request your SSN. The official advice from the SSA is to be careful about sharing your SSN. If anyone asks for it, you should find out why they need it, how it will be used, and what will happen if you refuse. Also, remember to keep your physical Social Security card somewhere secure — like in a locked safe — not in your wallet or purse.
📚 Related: 21 Warning Signs of Identity Theft: How To Avoid Fraud →
You Likely Can’t Change Your SSN — Protecting It Is Crucial
Unfortunately, even if you’ve been a victim of identity theft, changing your SSN isn’t always possible, nor is it recommended. A new SSN won’t automatically clear your debts and fix the damage to your credit file. In fact, the transition may cause an incomplete credit history and a lower credit score.
One of the best ways to know if your SSN is being misused (and get support while navigating fraud) is to sign up for an Identity theft protection solution that monitors your SSN and other personal information for signs of fraud.
Identity Guard provides SSN and Dark Monitoring features, including near real-time fraud alerts to help you detect risks quickly. You’ll also have the backing of $1 million in identity theft insurance to cover eligible losses and legal fees.
