With most of your life attached to these eight numbers, your social security number is incredibly important to keep safe. That’s why it is crucial to pay attention to signs that your social security number may have been compromised. While preventing the misuse of your social security number is paramount, there are action steps you can take if it does fall into the wrong hands.
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Top signs someone might be using your Social Security number
Are you concerned that your social security number may have gotten into the wrong hands? Check below to see if you are experiencing any of these signs:
1) Changes to your credit report and score
Americans are granted free credit reports every 12 months from the three major consumer reporting companies. Regularly culling through these reports can help you spot potential fraud, which might signal that your social security number has been compromised. Any hard inquiries you didn’t request on your credit report are a strong indicator that someone tried to open a credit card or another line of credit with your social security number.
2) Changes to your social security statement
While most people know to check their credit report and scores, you can see your social security statement by creating an account on the official Social Security Administration website. Because only one account can be created per social security number, it is safer if you claim it so no one else can by piecing together your personal information (along with your SSN) to claim it fraudulently. Make sure it is connected to a secure email account that you check frequently. This account also provides up-to-date data on earnings and benefit distributions so you can see if anything is ‘off.’
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3) Strange or new mailings or calls from debt collectors and junk mailers
While it might seem natural to toss a pile of ‘junk’ mailers or ignore calls from random debt collectors or advertisers, it may be an indicator that someone has gotten a hold of your social security number and has begun opening accounts under your number. It’s important to make note of the patterns and follow up with these collectors should it become more and more apparent that your social security number might have been misused. Oftentimes, consumers start getting more credit offers when new credit cards are opened. Additionally, if you start receiving bills under someone else’s name at your address, it might be time to follow up with these notices.
4) New notices from the IRS or other governmental agencies
If you start receiving notices about your social security number being used to file someone else’s taxes or inappropriately use your health insurance, it is definitely a sign that someone may have compromised your social security number. While receiving a notice from the IRS or Medicare can feel scary, it is imperative that you reach out to the corresponding agency to notify them of the fraudulent activity so that you can stop further damage.
Top ways to keep your social security number safe
1) Sign up for a social security account
2) Hide/safe keep your social security number card
3) Go online
4) Opt out of inputting SSN
5) Combat child identity theft
6) Secure documents
7) Remove your personal information from the internet
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8) IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
To further protect your tax returns from identity theft, the IRS offers an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). This is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS, adding an extra layer of security to your tax filings.
How to get an IP PIN
- Online Request: The fastest way to receive an IP PIN is to request one through your online account on the IRS website. If you don’t already have an account, you must register to validate your identity.
- Alternative Methods: If you can’t establish an online account, there are other methods, but they take longer. You can file an application or request in-person authentication.
Using Your IP PIN
- Enter the six-digit IP PIN when prompted by your tax software or provide it to your trusted tax professional when filing your return.
- An IP PIN must be used on all federal tax returns during the year, including prior year returns.
- Do not reveal your IP PIN to anyone except your tax professional when you are ready to sign and submit your return.
Important information
- An IP PIN is valid for one calendar year, and a new one is generated each year.
- If you lose your IP PIN, you can retrieve it online or have it reissued by calling the IRS.
By using an IP PIN, you can significantly reduce the risk of tax-related identity theft and ensure that your tax returns are processed smoothly and securely.
9) Recognizing and reporting a Social Security scam
If there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or record, Social Security will typically mail a letter. You can learn more about recognizing Social Security-related scams, including how to report a scam quickly and easily online to Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General, by reading more at www.ssa.gov/scams.
What to do if you feel like your social security number has been compromised?
If you noticed any of the signs listed above that indicate that your social security number may have been compromised, below are action steps you can take:
1) Reach out to the Social Security Administration immediately: Call them at 1-800-772-1213 to put an electronic block on your social security number.
2) Contact the three main credit bureaus to freeze your credit: This will prevent anyone, including the hackers, from wreaking havoc on your credit. Make sure to report any errors on your credit reports with the credit agencies as well.
3) File a report with the local authorities as well as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
4) Submit a Social Security fraud report online or call the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271. They can help investigate any Social Security-related fraud.
5) Use an identity theft protection service:
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Because your social security number has such a significant impact on your life, it is important to pay attention to any signs that it has been compromised and misused. While it may feel overwhelming to see any of these signs that your social security number might be compromised, it’s important to know there are steps you can take to protect yourself moving forward. While paying regularly for fraud protection services may seem like an unnecessary expense when you’re not presently dealing with identity or credit issues, a fraud protection service subscription can help you focus on your present moment instead of worrying about what a criminal might do with your social security number. And if something does happen, you have people in your ‘corner’ to help you through the process.
What additional steps do you think government agencies should take to enhance the security of Social Security numbers? Let us know in the comments below.
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