Social Security Number Protections

We all became aware this past week that hackers stole about three billion social security numbers and other personal information from the National Public Data and then sold them on the dark web.   In my book, I discuss doing credit freezes to protect yourself against fraudulent credit.  I have just become aware that you can also freeze your social security number.  So why would you want to do this?  It is my understanding that it can also deter thieves.  

So, how can you further protect yourself?  The first way is to call 1-800-772-1213.  This number belongs to Social Security.  You can contact them and ask them to block electronic access to your social security number.  Social Security has a document available that you can download regarding this issue at:  https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10220.pdf.  I urge you to download this document and read the section about how to block your electronic access.  Similar to a credit freeze, nobody, including you, will be able to access your number.  If you choose to undo this at a later date or need to have the block removed for any reason, you will have to contact Social Security to have the block undone.  You will have to prove your identity in order to remove the block when you contact them.  Update:  After calling social security, I was told that I have to go into a physical office to complete this.  

Additionally, you can set up a Self Lock using E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/employees/employee-self-services/mye-verify/self-lock.  This service is used to prevent employment identity theft.  What does that mean?  It means that someone who may have stolen your social security number could be using it with “their” employer (if that employer is an E-Verify employer) who is reporting that income as yours to the IRS, Social Security, or other entity.  This is just another layer of protection you will want to set up for yourself.  This will protect your from employment-related identity fraud and is free.  Again, if you need your social security number for a potential employer, you will have to go back and unlock your number so the employer can access it.

Moral of the story:

Especially now, during the holiday season, it’s essential to protect your social security number.  I hope you look at what I have suggested and implement them.