By now, there’s a good chance your Social Security number (SSN) has been exposed in a data breach. Major corporations, government agencies, and healthcare providers have all suffered security failures, leaving millions of SSNs circulating on the dark web and in the hands of cybercriminals. It’s concerning, but how serious is it?
Spoiler alert: very serious. A compromised SSN can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and long-term security risks. Here’s why it matters, how to check if yours has been leaked, and what to do if it has.
Is A Leaked SSN Really That Serious?
Your Social Security number is one of the most critical pieces of personal information tied to your identity. With just your SSN, a hacker can use it to impersonate you, open credit accounts, take out loans, and even access sensitive financial and medical records. Even if you don’t notice any immediate impact, criminals can hold onto stolen SSNs for years, waiting for the right moment to strike.
What Can Happen If Someone Steals Your SSN?
If your SSN falls into the wrong hands, you may face:
- Identity Theft: Criminals can use your SSN to take out loans, open credit accounts, or even file fraudulent tax returns in your name.
- Employment Fraud: Someone could use your SSN to get a job, potentially leaving you with unexpected tax issues.
- Medical Fraud: Criminals may use your SSN to receive healthcare services under your name, creating false medical records that could affect your future care.
A prime example is the 2017 Equifax data breach, which exposed the SSNs and personal information of 147 million people. Many victims dealt with fraudulent credit card applications, false tax returns, and other identity theft issues—some still facing the consequences even today. This breach serves as a reminder that data leaks can have long-term repercussions, making it essential to take proactive steps to safeguard your personal information.
Signs Your SSN 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 unfamiliar accounts or inquiries from unknown sources.
- Tax Return Issues: The IRS notifies you of multiple tax returns filed under your name or denies a refund you were expecting.
- Unusual Medical Records: You notice unfamiliar medical charges or incorrect medical history.
How To Check If Your SSN Was Compromised – And What To Do Next
Whether you’ve noticed suspicious activity or just want to be proactive, here’s what you can do to protect yourself from becoming a victim:
1. 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 major credit bureau (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax). Regular monitoring can help you spot suspicious activity early.
2. Use An Identity Theft Protection Service
Services like LifeLock or Experian IdentityWorks can monitor your SSN and alert you to suspicious activity. While they can’t prevent identity theft, they can help you catch and respond to issues faster.
3. Freeze Your Credit
A credit freeze prevents lenders from accessing your credit report, making it difficult for fraudsters to open accounts in your name. You can freeze and unfreeze your credit for free through each of the three major credit bureaus.
4. 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 If Your SSN Has Been Compromised
If you confirm that your SSN is compromised, take these immediate steps:
1. File A Report With The FTC
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2. Contact The Credit Bureaus
Notify Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion that your SSN has been compromised. Place a fraud alert on your credit report to make lenders verify your identity for any new credit applications.
3. Freeze Your Credit
If you haven’t already, place a freeze on your credit report to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name.
4. 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 documentation can be useful when disputing fraudulent accounts with creditors.
5. 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: The Importance Of Cybersecurity
For small and medium-sized businesses, safeguarding Social Security numbers and other personally identifiable information is critical to business security. A compromised SSN can lead to 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.
Need Help Securing Your Business?
If you need help securing your business against data breaches and identity theft, our cybersecurity team is here to help.
