If you got an email from the Social Security Administration this week, you might be tempted to toss it in the trash. But here’s why you shouldn’t and what you should do next.
Sorry, your Social Security Number was probably leaked
Your Social Security number is one of the most sensitive pieces of personal information you own. Too bad yours (and mine and every other Americans’) has likely been leaked and sold on the Dark Web.
Before you panic, there are a few steps you can take right now to protect yourself and your identity.
Is it really that big a deal?
It sure is. Your Social Security number is the key to the castle. It’s the unique identifier that connects your financial, government and personal records.
▶️ With your SSN, criminals can open credit card accounts, apply for loans, hijack your tax refunds, use your government benefits or even apply for jobs. Yikes.
There’s an easy step you can take
To safeguard your Social Security number, use the government’s free Self Lock feature. This tool prevents your SSN from being used for unauthorized employment verifications. You’ll need an E‑Verify account to do this online.
You can also request a block by calling the Social Security Administration at 1‑800‑772‑1213. Expect to wait on hold for a long time.
So many red flags, I thought I was at the circus
How do you know if your SSN is in someone else’s hands? Let me count the ways …
- Unexpected bills or strange accounts: Receiving bills or statements for accounts you never opened, especially credit cards or loans, is a bad sign.
- Unfamiliar tax forms: If you get tax documents like W‑2s or 1099s from jobs you didn’t hold, it could mean someone used your SSN for employment.
- Tax filing issues: This is a major way folks find out their SSN has been compromised. If the IRS reports a return already filed under your SSN, someone may have claimed a fraudulent refund.
- Credit report surprises: Look for unexplained changes, accounts or inquiries on your credit report. Get yours free once a year here.
- Government benefit denials: We’re talking disability, Medicare and other benefits someone else already claimed with your SSN.
Suspect your SSN was stolen?
Ask a tech expert: What can I do after my computer was hacked?
So awful. Let’s start with the computer: If he wants to keep it, he must do a full factory reset and start from scratch. A new router is also smart in case the person behind this enabled remote access.
He’s got other work to do, too. He needs to change every single one of his passwords, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on every account and install antivirus software.
An allowance for grown-ups: Social Security is upgrading its login system and ditching mySocialSecurity usernames and passwords. Using the mySocialSecurity site? You’ll need to create a new login ID for Login.gov. If you already have a Login.gov account or an ID.me login, you’re good to go. Yeah, it’s confusing, but what do you expect from the government?
3 immediate steps to take if you fell for a scam
You went online and opened up an email that you thought was from your bank, or maybe you received a call from the IRS demanding payment before they filed charges. You panicked, sent them money, and then found out you were the victim of scammers. Maybe you’re anxious, embarrassed and at a loss for what to do next.
Security warning: Watch out for Social Security scammers
Since much information is tied to your Social Security number, scammers often look for ways to get their hands on it. A recent change to Social Security benefits has scammers out in full force, and you must know how to protect yourself.
Don't click that link! New phishing emails could be very hard to spot
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True or false: That email you got from the Social Security Administration is a phishing scam
We all know the risks that come with surfing the internet. Spoofed websites, malicious links and malware are more prevalent than ever. That’s why many people are cautious when handling suspicious correspondence.
After all, more than 80% of emails sent daily are spam. To drive more awareness about spam emails, various government departments often urge users not to open any messages that supposedly come from them.
Scam alert! This spoofed phone call looks so convincing
If there’s one thing we know about cybercriminals, it’s that they’ll do whatever it takes to take advantage of you. Most are very organized and use sophisticated techniques that are always changing to stay ahead of software patches and law enforcement.