Your Social Security Number (SSN) is extremely important to keep safe, as most of your life is tied to these nine numbers. Therefore, it’s important to pay attention to signs that your SSN may have been compromised. While preventing misuse of your SSN is paramount, there are steps you can take if your SSN falls into the wrong hands.
We’re giving away a $500 gift card this holiday season.
Sign up for our free newsletter and enter our giveaway.
There are steps you can take if your Social Security number falls into the wrong hands. (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Top signs someone may be using your social security number
Are you worried that your Social Security number has fallen into the wrong hands? Check below to see if you’re experiencing any of the following signs:
1) Changes to your credit report and score
Americans receive a free credit report every 12 months from three major consumer reporting companies. Regularly reviewing these reports can help identify potential fraudulent activity that could indicate your Social Security number has been compromised. A hard check that doesn’t appear on your credit report is a strong indicator that someone tried to open a credit card or another line of credit with your SSN.
2) Changes to social security statement
Most people know they need to check their credit report and score, but you can check your Social Security statement by creating an account on the Social Security Administration’s official website. Because you can only create one account per SSN, it’s safer to prevent others from combining your personal information (with your SSN) to fraudulently claim your account. Make sure you are 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.”
You can view your Social Security statement by creating an account on the Social Security Administration’s official website. (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Beware of Social Security scams from scammers trying to scam you
3) Strange or new mail or phone calls from debt collectors or spammers
It may seem natural to throw away piles of “junk” mail or ignore calls from random debt collectors or advertisers, but it may seem natural to throw away a pile of “junk” mail or ignore calls from random debt collectors or advertisers, but that’s because someone has your Social Security number. It may indicate that you have obtained and started opening an account with your number. If it becomes increasingly clear that your SSN has been misused, it’s important to note the pattern and follow up with these collectors. Consumers often begin receiving more credit offers when a new credit card is opened. Additionally, if you start receiving bills in someone else’s name at your address, it may be time to follow up on these notifications.
4) New notices from the IRS or other government agencies
If you start receiving notifications that your Social Security number is being used to file someone else’s taxes or improperly use their health insurance, it’s definitely possible that someone has compromised your SSN. This is a sign. Receiving a notice from the IRS or Medicare can be scary, but it’s essential to contact the appropriate agencies and notify them of fraud to prevent further damage.
Be on the lookout for new notices from the IRS or other government agencies. (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Top ways to keep your social security number safe
1) Sign up for social security account
If you haven’t created an account yet, visit the Social Security Administration’s official website to create one.
2) Hide/keep your social security number card safe
Keep your Social Security number card in a very secure location, such as a safe, bank safe, or locked file cabinet. It’s worth remembering these 9 digits as they are used frequently. If your wallet is lost or stolen, leaving your SSN card inside will be worse than just losing your money or ID. Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or purse.
3) Go online
There is no need to write down your social security number on the in-person form. Once you have your SSN written down on paper, it is difficult to control how that information is used or disposed of. Being able to submit forms online eliminates the risk of your SSN falling into the wrong hands. If you mail a form showing your SSN, you run the risk of it being stolen or lost.
4) Opting out of SSN input
Some forms ask for an SSN, but it’s not always required. If a prospective employer asks for your SSN, double-check why you need it. You’ll likely need this information to run a background check, and you should know about it anyway. In addition, some facilities may provide you with the last four digits of your SSN until the vetting process, etc. is complete.
5) Combat child identity theft
Open an account for your child’s social security number. That’s so you can request your child’s Social Security number early and monitor every move related to the SSN.
6) Ensuring document security
It’s important to keep some records that include your Social Security number, such as income tax returns, on hand. Encrypt or password protect your documents or folders if they are stored digitally, especially if they are uploaded to the cloud. Store offline documents containing your SSN in a safe or shredder instead of throwing them away.
Keep in mind that you can (usually) only get one SSN in a lifetime. It is important to protect that data with your life.
7) Delete personal information from the Internet
Given the growing privacy concerns surrounding artificial intelligence, it is essential to remove personal information from the internet. Data deletion services protect your Social Security number and reduce the risk of identity theft by systematically removing personal information from websites.
While no service can guarantee complete removal of data from the Internet, a data deletion service is a smart choice. They are not cheap and offer no privacy. These services do all of their work by actively monitoring your personal information and systematically removing it from hundreds of websites. This gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase personal data from the internet. Limiting the information available reduces the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from a breach with information they find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.
Check out my recommended data deletion services here.
8) IRS ID Protection PIN (IP PIN)
To further protect your tax return from identity theft, the IRS offers an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). This is a six-digit number that prevents others from using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Number to file tax returns. Your IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS, adding an extra layer of security to your tax return.
How to get your IP PIN
- Online request: The fastest way to receive your IP PIN is to request one through your online account. IRS website. If you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to register to verify your identity.
- Alternative method: If you are unable to establish an online account, there are other methods, but they are time consuming. You can submit an application or request in-person verification.
Using IP PIN
- Enter your 6-digit IP PIN when prompted by your tax software, or by your trusted tax professional when you file your return.
- The IP PIN must be used on all federal tax returns for the year, including prior year returns.
- Once you are ready to sign and submit your return, do not reveal your IP PIN to anyone other than your tax professional.
Important information
- IP PINs are valid for one calendar year and a new PIN is generated each year.
- If you lose your IP PIN, you can retrieve it online or call the IRS to have it replaced.
IP PIN greatly reduces the risk of tax-related identity theft and ensures that your tax return is processed smoothly and securely.
9) Recognizing and reporting social security fraud
If there is a problem with an individual’s SSN or record, the Social Security Administration will typically mail you a letter. To learn more about how to identify Social Security fraud, see How to Quickly and Easily Report a Fraud to the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General online. www.ssa.gov/scam.
social security card lock image (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
What should I do if I believe my Social Security number has been compromised?
If you notice any of the above signs that your Social Security number may have been compromised, please take the following actions:
1) Contact the Social Security Administration immediately. Call 1-800-772-1213 to place an electronic block on your SSN.
2) To freeze your credit, contact the three major credit bureaus: This will prevent anyone, including hackers, from wreaking havoc on your credit. If you find any errors on your credit report, be sure to report them to your credit bureaus as well.
3) Submit the report We also work with local governments and the Federal Trade Commission.
4) File a Social Security Fraud Report Contact us online or call SSA’s Office of Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271. They can help investigate Social Security-related fraud.
5) Use identity theft protection services. Identity theft companies monitor your personal information, such as your social security number, phone number, and email address, and alert you if it is sold on the dark web or used to open an account. It can also help freeze bank and credit card accounts to prevent further misuse by criminals.
One of the best things about using some services is that they may include identity theft insurance. Up to $1 million to cover losses and legal costs And our excellent fraud resolution team US-based case manager helps you recover your losses. Check out our tips and recommendations on how to protect yourself from identity theft..
How data brokers are fueling elder fraud in America
Cart important points
Because your Social Security number has such a huge impact on your life, it’s important to pay attention to the signs that it has been compromised or misused. While it can be overwhelming to see these signs that your SSN may be compromised, it’s important to know that there are steps you can take to protect yourself in the future. Paying regularly for a fraud prevention service may seem like an unnecessary expense if you are not currently dealing with identity or trust issues, but a fraud prevention service subscription can help criminals You can focus on the present moment instead of worrying about what to do with your personal information. SSN. And if something happens, you’ll have someone there to help you through the process.
What further steps do you think government agencies should take to strengthen the security of Social Security numbers? Email us at. Cyberguy.com/Contact.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report newsletter using the link below. Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
Ask your cart a question or let us know your story you’d like us to feature.
Follow Kurt’s social channels:
Answers to CyberGuy frequently asked questions:
New from cart:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
