What Can Hackers Do With Your Social Security Number?

Your stolen SSN can be used to open fraudulent credit card accounts, divert or fraudulently collect benefits and commit workplace fraud , among other forms of deceit. Throw in your name, birth date and driver’s license number, and it’s exponentially easier for someone to pretend to be you.

What’s the worst thing someone can do with your Social Security number?

Thieves can then sell your identity or pretend to be you to open various accounts in your name, access medical care, file fraudulent tax returns or, at worst, commit crimes.

Can someone steal your money with your Social Security number?

A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you . Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. ... The Social Security Administration protects your Social Security number and keeps your records confidential.

Can someone access my bank account with my Social Security number?

In person, a bank may also accept a physical Social Security card, passport or Real ID in addition to your Social Security number . Someone might also try to use your Social Security number to open new financial accounts. They may have some success getting a credit card or loans under your name with your ssn.

What happens if someone gets your SSN?

Once hackers or thieves have your SSN, they can make false statements on claims, file claims under your SSN, file fraudulent tax returns for refunds, open bank accounts and credit cards and more . A SSN, especially one with a good credit score attached, can be used to extract serious money quickly via these scams.

What should I do if my SSN is stolen?

1. File a police report or a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Report. ...
2. If you believe your identity has already been used, you can also contact the Social Security Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

Can I change my SSN?

You can’t change your Social Security number simply because your card has been lost or stolen , or to avoid bankruptcy or legitimate debts. The only other reasons Social Security will consider assigning a new number are: Sequential numbers assigned to members of your family are causing confusion.

How can I find out if someone is using my identity?

1. Track what bills you owe and when they’re due. If you stop getting a bill, that could be a sign that someone changed your billing address.
2. Review your bills. ...
3. Check your bank account statement. ...
4. Get and review your credit reports.

How would I know if someone is using my Social Security number?

To see if your Social Security number is being used by someone else for employment purposes, review your Social Security Statement at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to look for suspicious activity. Finally, you’ll want to use additional scrutiny by regularly checking your bank and credit card accounts online.

Can someone access my bank account without my Social Security number?

You are not required to have a social security number to open a checking or savings account . To open a checking or savings account, the bank or credit union will need to verify your name, date of birth, address, and ID number.

Can you put a freeze on your Social Security number?

People generally freeze a Social Security number in case of identity theft; however, the service is available to anyone . ... Step 2: Go online — the fastest way to freeze a Social Security number is to go straight to the websites of all three major credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.

What can someone do with your last 4 digits of SSN?

Scammers can use different ways and means to steal your identity by using the last 4 digits of SSN and DOB. With this information in their hands, they can steal your money, create credit card accounts , take away your hard-earned benefits, and use your name for illegal transactions.

Should I be worried if someone has my Social Security number?

If you suspect somebody has your Social Security Number — whether they stole it from a company (like Equifax) or you gave it to them voluntarily — it’s important to set up credit monitoring . Typically your bank or the company that was breached will provide this to you for free.

How do I secure my Social Security number?

1. Ask Why They Want It and How It Will Be Handled. ...
2. Leave Your Card at Home. ...
3. Shred Mail and Documents With Personal Details. ...
4. Don’t Use Your SSN as a Password. ...
5. Don’t Send Your SSN via an Electronic Device. ...
6. Don’t Give It out to Strangers. ...
7. Monitor Your Bank and Credit Card Accounts.

What do you do when someone steals your identity?

1. File a claim with your identity theft insurance, if applicable.
2. Notify companies of your stolen identity.
3. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission.
4. Contact your local police department.
5. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
6. Freeze your credit.

How do you know if your identity has been stolen?

1. A strange charge on your credit card bill. ...
2. Credit card bills stop coming in the mail. ...
3. Your credit score is going up. ...
4. Your credit score is going down. ...
5. You get a tax transcript that you didn’t request or your electronic tax return is rejected. ...
6. You’re unexpectedly denied for a credit card or loan.