Is Someone Using Your Social Security Number?

How to tell if it happens, what to do when it does—and how you can better protect yourself in the first place.

Imagine all the places your Social Security number (SSN) lives…past employer files, medical records, credit card accounts, bank and mortgage loan applications, among others. Each has different strengths of data security.

That’s why the Insurance Information Institute reports data breaches continue to rise, with stolen identities for sale on dark web marketplaces. You may be lucky your Social Security number hasn’t been used for fraud or identity theft. 

Yet.

Why do thieves want Social Security numbers?

Alone, Social Security numbers don’t have a lot of value. Combined with other personal information like your name, address, email and credit score, however, they become worth a lot, according to the Dark Web Price Index. Plus, a higher credit score can make it easier to commit fraud because financial institutions are more lenient. Here’s what a criminal can do with your information: 

• Open a credit card.
• Take out a loan.
• Get utilities. 
• Apply for jobs or take your benefits. Programs such as EBT, SNAP, Medicaid or unemployment are all administered using Social Security numbers.
• Get medical care using your healthcare benefits.

A lot of damage can happen quickly. Worse, it might be months before you know it.

5 clues someone is using your number

How do you know if your SSN has been stolen? Warning signs include:

1. You get notices about accounts you didn’t open.
2. You’re missing bills…or getting ones you don’t recognize.
3. You’re getting a noticeable increase in scam calls, text and emails.
4. You get a notice from the IRS about a “flagged return.”
5. You get a 1099 from a company you have never worked for.

Any of these red flags mean you need to act, and visit IdentityTheft.gov to report it. 

And 5 actions to help stop it

The good news is there are ways to be proactive and limit damage. 

1. Check your credit report regularly. If anything looks suspicious, freeze your credit immediately.
2. Check your Social Security statement for accuracy. Create a My Social Security account at www.ssa.gov. Set up features to protect your number.
3. Use an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)…and file taxes as early as you can.
4. Use multi-factor authentication on all your accounts.
5. Don’t give out your Social Security number. Be aware imposters may call, text or email you to “verify” it.

Add another layer of protection: Mercer Indigo

You can monitor your personal information for identity theft, plus have expert help resolving it with benefits you find at Mercer Indigo.