The Problem
Your Social Security number falls into the wrong hands.
Scare Factor
A Social Security number is the Holy Grail of ID theft. Your SSN, along with other tidbits of personal information, such as your name, birth date and mailing address, allows an ID thief to open credit card and bank accounts and take out loans (or access your current ones), apply for government benefits, file a tax return, get medical care, and get a job in your name. Unlike a bank account or credit card number, a Social Security number is permanent; it's not easy to get a new one. That means once it’s exposed, you’ll have to be on alert for life.
How to Combat: Medical ID Theft | Tax Identity Fraud | Lost/Stolen Electronics | Hacked Credit/Debit Account
How to Avoid It
Be wary of giving out your SSN. You’ll have to hand it over to open a new credit account and to obtain government benefits. Your employer requires it for tax purposes. Medical offices may ask for your SSN, but they don’t necessarily need it, especially if they have your health insurance information or if you’ve already provided them your SSN in the past. When in doubt, ask why the SSN is necessary or leave the space for it blank. Some companies want the number so they can track you down in case you fail to pay bills. An alternative identifier—say, your phone number—may suffice.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Shred unneeded documents that include your SSN (as well as other sensitive information, such as bank account and insurance numbers). Store your Social Security card in a safe place at home or in a safe-deposit box; don’t carry it in your wallet.
Beware of scammers who pose as government agencies, banks or other entities and request your SSN or other personal information. They may have information about you that makes them sound like the real deal, and some fraudsters can even make caller identification flash a name that looks legitimate. If you’re not sure whether a call or message is authentic, look up the phone number for the agency or business and ask whether it contacted you.
Watch not only for bills from creditors or other services you never used but also for an absence of bills or statements that you normally receive. Thieves may change your address with the U.S. Postal Service, says Experian’s Frost.
What to Do If You’re a Victim
If you discover that someone has opened accounts or acquired services with your Social Security number, notify the account or benefits managers. Check your credit reports, and place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus. If you’re a victim of ID theft, the credit bureaus must block fraudulent information from your reports, and the businesses involved can’t ask you to pay any debts. File an identity theft police report, and send a copy of it to the credit bureaus along with any correspondence you have with the bureaus, the government and businesses. It’s also helpful to include the Federal Trade Commission’s identity theft affidavit.
If your Social Security number is continually or aggressively abused, you may be able to get a new one. But qualifying to change your SSN is not easy, and the results are fraught with complications. For example, with a new SSN, you may not benefit from the credit history you built with the previous one, and you may have trouble getting health insurance or a mortgage or other loan, or renting an apartment.
How to Combat: Medical ID Theft | Tax Identity Fraud | Lost/Stolen Electronics | Hacked Credit/Debit Account
-
December Fed Meeting: Live Updates and CommentaryThe December Fed meeting is one of the last key economic events of 2025, with Wall Street closely watching what Chair Powell & Co. will do about interest rates.
-
This Is Why Investors Shouldn't Romanticize BitcoinInvestors should treat bitcoin as the high-risk asset it is. A look at the data indicates a small portfolio allocation for most investors would be the safest.
-
I'm a Federal Benefits Pro: I Answer These 2 Questions a LotMany federal employees ask about rolling a TSP into an IRA and parsing options for survivor benefits, both especially critical topics.
-
Seven Things You Should Do Now if You Think Your Identity Was StolenIf you suspect your identity was stolen, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself, but make sure you take action fast.
-
The 8 Financial Documents You Should Always ShredIdentity Theft The financial documents piling up at home put you at risk of fraud. Learn the eight types of financial documents you should always shred to protect yourself.
-
How to Guard Against the New Generation of Fraud and Identity TheftIdentity Theft Fraud and identity theft are getting more sophisticated and harder to spot. Stay ahead of the scammers with our advice.
-
12 Ways to Protect Yourself From Fraud and ScamsIdentity Theft Think you can spot the telltale signs of frauds and scams? Follow these 12 tips to stay safe from evolving threats and prevent others from falling victim.
-
Watch Out for These Travel Scams This SummerIdentity Theft These travel scams are easy to fall for and could wreck your summer. Take a moment to read up on the warning signs and simple ways to protect yourself.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
How to Guard Against Identity Theft in 2025Scammers are getting better at impersonating legitimate businesses.
-
457 Plan Contribution Limits for 2026Retirement plans There are higher 457 plan contribution limits in 2026. That's good news for state and local government employees.
