What Can Someone Do with Your Social Security Number?

Identity theft is one of the biggest threats to your personal and financial security, and nothing puts you at greater risk than having your Social Security number stolen. Unlike a lost credit card or bank account number, this nine-digit identifier is tied to your identity for life. If it falls into the wrong hands, the damage can follow you for years.

A stolen Social Security number can be used to open credit card accounts, apply for loans, or even claim tax refunds in your name. It can also be linked to medical services, government benefits, and utilities. That makes it a powerful tool for criminals and a serious problem for victims.

The key to protecting yourself is knowing how Social Security numbers are stolen, what thieves can do with them, and what steps you can take to reduce your risk.

How Social Security Numbers Get Stolen

Your Social Security number can be stolen in several ways, both online and offline. Criminals often look for the easiest path, whether that means stealing a wallet, hacking a database, or tricking you into sharing it. Here are some of the most common methods.

• Lost or stolen cards: Carrying your Social Security card in your wallet puts you at risk if your wallet is misplaced or taken. Even at home, leaving your card unsecured during a break-in can expose you.
• Paperwork theft: Medical records, loan applications, rental forms, or employment documents often contain your Social Security number. If those papers are lost, stolen, or improperly discarded, your information may end up in the wrong hands.
• Data breaches: Companies, hospitals, and government agencies store Social Security numbers in digital systems. When hackers breach these databases, numbers are often stolen and sold on the dark web.
• Phishing scams and phone calls: Fraudsters may send emails or call pretending to be from banks, government offices, or service providers. Their goal is to trick you into sharing your Social Security number directly.

What Criminals Can Do With Your Social Security Number

Once a thief has your Social Security number, they can use it to commit different types of fraud. The risks go far beyond simple credit card theft because this number can open the door to many aspects of your life.

• Open credit card accounts or loans: With just your Social Security number and basic personal details, criminals can apply for new credit cards or loans in your name. Unpaid balances can damage your credit score for years.
• File a fraudulent tax return: Scammers can use your number to claim a tax refund before you file. This can delay your legitimate return and lead to a long dispute with the IRS.
• Drain existing bank accounts: If combined with other personal information, your Social Security number can be used to bypass security checks at banks or trick representatives into granting account access.
• Claim Social Security or unemployment benefits: Criminals may reroute your Social Security checks or file for unemployment in your name, leaving you without benefits you earned.
• Commit medical identity theft: Some thieves use stolen Social Security numbers to obtain healthcare services, which can corrupt your medical records and cause billing problems.
• Set up utility or phone accounts: Many service providers run credit checks before approving new accounts. Using your Social Security number, criminals can open utility or phone services in your name.
• Hide criminal activity: In extreme cases, your Social Security number can be used during arrests or investigations, creating a false criminal record tied to your identity.

How to Tell If Your Social Security Number Has Been Stolen

Spotting fraud early can prevent bigger problems. Watch for these warning signs that your Social Security number may already be in use by someone else.

• Unexplained credit score changes: A sudden drop or spike could signal new accounts opened in your name. Review your credit reports from all three credit bureaus to confirm.
• New accounts you didn’t open: Credit card bills, loan statements, or collection notices tied to accounts you don’t recognize are red flags.
• IRS notices: Letters about tax returns you didn’t file or refunds you didn’t claim could point to tax-related identity theft.
• Suspicious bank or credit card activity: Withdrawals, charges, or transfers you don’t remember should be reported immediately.
• Bills for unfamiliar services: Utility or phone accounts set up with your information may lead to unexpected charges.

Steps to Take if Your Social Security Number Is Compromised

If you suspect your Social Security number has been stolen, act quickly to limit the damage. Follow these steps in order:

• Place a fraud alert: Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to add a fraud alert to your credit reports. This makes it harder for criminals to open accounts in your name.
• Freeze your credit: A credit freeze blocks lenders from accessing your credit reports entirely, which stops most new accounts from being opened. You must contact each credit bureau individually to set this up.
• Check your credit reports: Pull your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com to review for accounts or inquiries you don’t recognize. Dispute any fraudulent activity right away.
• Report the theft: File a report at IdentityTheft.gov, notify your bank or credit card issuers, and consider filing a police report for added protection.
• Contact the IRS if needed: If tax fraud is suspected, reach out to the IRS Identity Protection Unit to secure your records and prevent future false filings.
• Consider identity theft protection: Ongoing monitoring and alerts can help you spot suspicious activity before it causes lasting damage.

How to Protect Your Social Security Number Going Forward

Prevention is the best defense. By limiting exposure and building safer habits, you can lower the chances of your Social Security number being stolen.

• Store your card securely: Keep your Social Security card in a safe place at home, not in your wallet or purse.
• Shred sensitive documents: Any papers with your Social Security number, such as tax forms or loan applications, should be shredded before disposal.
• Limit sharing: Only provide your Social Security number when absolutely required, and ask if another form of identification can be used instead.
• Watch for scams: Ignore unsolicited emails or calls asking for personal details. Government agencies and banks will not request your Social Security number this way.
• Monitor regularly: Check your credit reports at least once a year and review bank and credit card statements for suspicious activity.
• Consider added protection: Credit monitoring or identity theft protection services can provide alerts if your information is misused.

Bottom Line

Your Social Security number is one of the most valuable pieces of personal information you have. If stolen, it can be used to open accounts, claim benefits, or commit fraud in your name.

By limiting when you share your number, securing personal records, and monitoring your financial accounts, you can reduce your risk. If theft does occur, acting quickly with fraud alerts, credit freezes, and official reports can help contain the damage.

Protecting your Social Security number should be a regular part of your financial security plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone get a job using my Social Security number?

Yes. Criminals can use a stolen Social Security number to gain employment. This can create problems with your tax records if the income is reported under your name but you never earned it.

Should I change my Social Security number if it is stolen?

Changing your Social Security number is possible but only considered in extreme cases. The Social Security Administration requires proof that continued misuse is causing serious harm before issuing a new number.

How can I check if my Social Security number is on the dark web?

Many credit monitoring and identity theft protection services scan the dark web for stolen information. These tools can alert you if your Social Security number appears in compromised databases.

How long does it take to recover from Social Security number theft?

The recovery process can take weeks or even months, depending on how the number was misused. Quick reporting and consistent follow-up with credit bureaus, banks, and government agencies can shorten the timeline.

Is it safe to give my Social Security number to employers or landlords?

Yes, but only when necessary. Employers need it for tax purposes, and landlords often require it for credit checks. Always confirm why it is being requested and how it will be stored to make sure your information is protected.