Social Security Number Theft: How it happens and how to protect yourself
Gabriela León, Explicame, 4/18/25
Did you know your Social Security Number (SSN) could be at risk without your knowledge? As cyberattacks grow more frequent and sophisticated, safeguarding your personal data, especially your SSN, has never been more critical.
How common is personal data theft?
A 2024 national digital privacy survey found that approximately 61% of U.S. adults have experienced at least one data breach, and 44% have been affected multiple times. As a result, 65% of respondents said they are more concerned than ever about cyberattacks this year.
These incidents aren’t just frustrating, they can have serious consequences when they involve your Social Security number.
Why is your SSN so valuable?
Your SSN is essential for almost everything: getting a job, opening bank accounts, applying for loans, or accessing government benefits. If someone else gets access to it, they could:
- Open fraudulent credit accounts
- Apply for government benefits like unemployment or Social Security
- Commit tax fraud using your identity
How criminals access your SSN
Cybersecurity experts warn that hackers use various methods to steal SSNs and other personal data. The most common include:
- Large-scale Data Breaches: Recently, a data broker that collects public records—without direct contact with consumers—was hacked, resulting in one of the largest breaches on record. Over 2.9 billion records were exposed, including Social Security numbers. Most people have never heard of this company, but it gathers personal details from both public and private sources.
- Phishing Attacks: Scammers impersonate legitimate institutions through emails, texts, or phone calls to trick you into revealing personal information. These may appear to be from banks, government agencies, or well-known companies.
- Malware and Unsecured Wi-Fi: Downloading malicious software or using public Wi-Fi without proper security can allow hackers to monitor your online activity, record your keystrokes, and capture sensitive data like your SSN.
Once criminals have your SSN, they can commit years of fraud. And unlike a credit card, replacing your SSN is extremely difficult and could impact your credit history.
The damage might not be immediate. Some consequences can appear years after a data breach, making ongoing monitoring essential.
What to do if your SSN is stolen
If you suspect your SSN has been misused, act quickly by following these key steps:
- Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Visit IdentityTheft.gov to report the theft and create a personalized recovery plan.
- Notify the IRS: If your SSN has been used for tax fraud, visit the IRS Identity Theft Central or call their support line for help.
- Report to the Social Security Administration (SSA): File fraud reports at oig.ssa.gov or call 1-800-269-0271.
- Place a Fraud Alert: Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). A fraud alert requires lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts.
- Freeze Your Credit: This prevents new creditors from accessing your credit file, blocking fraudulent account openings. You can unfreeze your credit when needed.
How to prevent SSN theft
The SSA and cybersecurity professionals recommend taking the following steps:
- Never carry your Social Security card or share your SSN publicly unless absolutely necessary.
- Be cautious of phishing scams and verify email senders before clicking on links or attachments.
- Monitor your credit and create a “My Social Security” account at SSA.gov.
- Use SSA’s electronic access block to prevent changes to your online account.
- Consider SSA’s direct deposit fraud prevention block to stop unauthorized updates to your payment information.
It’s also recommended to set up two-factor authentication for your most sensitive accounts and explore identity protection services. Look for a plan that includes dark web monitoring for your SSN, 24/7 fraud resolution services, credit monitoring, and insurance coverage.