By this point, most people’s Social Security numbers (SSNs), a.k.a. one of the most important pieces of data assigned to you, have found their way onto the dark web. Thanks to breaches at major companies, government sites and even health care providers, millions of SSNs are floating around in cybercriminal circles. It’s alarming, but is it really that big of a deal?
Spoiler alert: yes, it is. Here’s why a compromised SSN can wreak havoc on your life, how to check if yours has been leaked and what to do if it has.
Is A Leaked Social Security Number Really That Serious?
Your Social Security number is a key piece of your identity, especially in the US. With just your SSN, a hacker can unlock a world of financial and personal information, allowing them to impersonate you, take out loans and potentially access sensitive accounts. Even if you don’t see the immediate impact, criminals can hold on to SSNs for years, waiting for the right moment to strike.
What Can Happen If Someone Has Your Social Security Number?
Having your SSN in the wrong hands can lead to:
- Identity Theft: Fraudsters can use your SSN to open credit accounts, take out loans or even file false tax returns in your name.
- Employment Fraud: Someone could use your SSN to obtain a job, which could leave you with unexpected tax issues.
- Medical Fraud: Some criminals use stolen SSNs to receive health care under someone else’s name, leaving you with false medical records that can complicate future care.
Take the Equifax data breach back in 2017. This incident exposed the SSNs and personal information of 147 million people. Many of these victims faced issues ranging from fraudulent credit card applications to false tax returns, with some people still dealing with the fallout today. The Equifax case is a perfect example of how serious SSN exposure can be and proof that it happens.
Signs Your Social Security Number Has Been Stolen
Worried your SSN might already be in use? Here are some red flags to watch for:
- Unexpected Mail: You receive credit card offers, debt collection notices or bills for accounts you didn’t open.
- Credit Report Surprises: Your credit report shows accounts you don’t recognize or inquiries from unfamiliar sources.
- Tax Return Issues: The IRS notifies you of multiple tax returns filed under your name, or you’re denied a refund you were expecting.
- Health Care Records: You notice unfamiliar medical bills or strange entries in your medical records.
How To Check If Your SSN Was Leaked – And What You Can Do To Protect It
Whether you’ve experienced some of these red flags or you just want to check, here are a few ways to do so and ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim:
- Monitor Your Credit Report
Start by checking your credit report for any unfamiliar accounts. You’re entitled to a free credit report annually from each of the major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax). Make it a habit to review these reports for signs of unusual activity. - Use An Identity Theft Protection Service
Services like Experian IdentityWorks or LifeLock can monitor your SSN and notify you if it’s being used in a suspicious way. While they can’t prevent identity theft, they can help you catch and respond to issues faster. - Freeze Your Credit
Freezing your credit is one of the most effective ways to prevent fraud. A freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it much harder for someone to open accounts in your name. You can freeze and unfreeze your credit for free through each of the three major credit bureaus. - Sign Up For SSN Alerts
The Social Security Administration offers an option to set up alerts for certain types of activity, like changes to your Social Security account. While not comprehensive, it’s an extra layer of awareness that can help you catch fraud early.
What To Do Immediately If Your SSN Is Leaked
If you confirm that your SSN is compromised, it’s important to take these actions right away:
- File A Report With The FTC
Visit IdentityTheft.gov to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission. This site will guide you through a recovery plan based on your situation. - Contact The Credit Bureaus
Notify the credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) that your SSN has been compromised. Place a fraud alert on your credit report to make lenders take extra steps to verify your identity before issuing credit. - Freeze Your Credit
If you haven’t already, place a freeze on your credit report to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. - File A Police Report
If the identity theft has led to financial loss or involves criminal activity, consider filing a report with your local police department. This can be useful documentation for resolving issues with creditors. - Notify Financial Institutions
Contact your bank and any other financial institutions you have accounts with to let them know your SSN has been compromised. They can place alerts on your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.
Protecting Your Business: Why Cybersecurity Matters
For small and medium-sized businesses, protecting Social Security numbers and other personally identifiable information is essential to business security. A compromised SSN can lead to various security risks, including identity theft for employees and clients, unauthorized access to financial accounts and potential data breaches. Since businesses often store sensitive employee and client information, an SSN leak can expose not only individuals but also the business itself to legal and financial risks, as well as reputational damage.
Ensuring your business has a strong cybersecurity plan, including data encryption, network security and employee education, is the best way to protect sensitive information and prevent data leaks.
If you need help securing your business against data breaches and identity theft, our cybersecurity team is here to support you. Click here to schedule a FREE Security Risk Assessment and safeguard your business from costly cyberthreats.
