How To Lock Your Social Security Number and Prevent Identity Theft

Key takeaways

• Locking your Social Security number is free and can prevent identity theft.
• Additional steps include shredding documents, monitoring your credit and using multi-factor authentication.
• If you believe someone has stolen your Social Security number, freeze your credit report and follow the instructions at the bottom of this page.

Your Social Security number (SSN) is the key to your credit and bank accounts, which is exactly why scammers want it. If it falls into the wrong hands, the damage can be devastating.

Learning how to lock your Social Security number is easy. The process costs you nothing, and it’s one of the strongest defenses you have against identity theft.

How to lock your Social Security number for free

Locking your Social Security number can be done for free through two official government channels: the Social Security Administration and the E-Verify website.

Consider locking your SSN with both of them if you think you’ve been a victim of identity theft. You can always undo the lock if you need to give an employer or creditor access to your Social Security info.

Block electronic access with the Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has an option to block electronic access to your records.

It stops hackers from viewing or changing your information online or over the phone, though you won’t be able to access your account either.

The SSA suggests using this option if your number has been compromised, though you might also use it as a safety precaution if you don’t need access to your account anytime soon.

To block access:

1. Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office.
2. Request an electronic access block.

Once activated, no one, including you, can check or update your records online.

If you need access later, contact the SSA and ask to remove the block. You’ll need to follow their instructions to prove your identity when you call.

Self Lock with E-Verify

The Self Lock feature in E-Verify prevents unauthorized use of your SSN for employment verification. If scammers try to use your SSN to get a job, Self Lock will stop them.

To activate Self Lock:

1. Visit the E-Verify website and log in or create an account.
2. Answer three questions to verify your identity.
3. Enable Self Lock to block the use of your SSN in employment checks.

Remember to unlock your SSN with E-Verify before starting a new job, as many employers use E-Verify to confirm your identity and eligibility to work in the U.S. You can do this online through the same system.

What identity thieves can do with your SSN

Your Social Security number is one of the most valuable pieces of personal information a thief can steal.

Unlike a credit card number, which you can change, your SSN is permanent (except for rare circumstances). This makes it a prime tool for credit fraud, allowing criminals to wreak havoc on your finances, credit, medical history and taxes.

Here’s what identity thieves can do with your SSN:

• Open credit card accounts and take out loans in your name, racking up debt
• File fraudulent tax returns to steal your refund
• Apply for government benefits using your identity
• Get medical treatment under your name, leaving you with the bills and medical records for conditions you don’t have
• Withdraw from your bank accounts
• Get a job using your identity, which also affects your taxes

5 other ways to prevent identity theft

Locking your SSN is a great first step, but it’s not the only way to protect your personal information. Here are some other security measures you should take to stay safe:

Shred or securely store documents

Never toss sensitive documents in the trash. Shred bank statements, tax documents, and anything with your SSN and other personally identifiable information before disposing of them.

Also keep important paperwork in a secure location, like a locked file cabinet or safe.

Limit sharing your SSN

Only provide your SSN when absolutely necessary. If someone requests it, ask why they need it and how they’ll protect it.

Monitor your credit

Sign up for a credit monitoring service, which tracks changes to your credit history and notifies you whenever someone applies for credit in your name, opens a new account or makes other changes that affect your credit.

You can monitor your credit for free with LendingTree, as well as with the credit bureau Experian. Another credit bureau, Equifax, offers free credit monitoring for active duty military and National Guard members.

You can also do it yourself with free weekly credit reports from TransUnion, Experian and Equifax at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you go this route, make sure to check your report regularly and report any suspicious activity right away.

Set up fraud alerts or a credit freeze

A fraud alert warns creditors to contact you to verify your identity before opening accounts. A credit freeze prevents companies from pulling your credit or opening new credit accounts in your name.

Both are free, and you can activate them through the major credit bureaus. About 1 in 6 U.S. consumers have used at least one of these options at some point.

Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication

Identity thieves often hack into online accounts to steal personal information, including your SSN. Use strong, unique passwords and set up multi-factor authentication (MFA).

MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second proof of identification beyond your user name and password — such as a fingerprint or a confirmation number sent to your phone or email.

Taking these steps, along with locking your SSN, lowers your risk of identity theft.

What to do if you’re the victim of identity theft

If someone steals your Social Security number, acting quickly can limit the damage.

Here are a few steps to take to regain control of your identity and prevent further fraud:

• Freeze your credit. Contact each of the three credit bureaus to freeze your credit. This is free and it won’t impact your existing accounts.
• Report SSN theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Go to IdentityTheft.gov and file an identity theft report. The FTC will give you step-by-step advice for recovering your identity, as well as documents to help dispute any fraudulent accounts opened in your name.
• Ask the IRS for an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). An IP PIN adds an extra layer of security when filing your taxes. Without it, no one can file a tax return using your SSN. Request one through the IRS website or by making an appointment for an in-person meeting at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center.
• Replace your Social Security card. If you lose your Social Security card or someone steals it, request a replacement at SSA.gov or make an appointment at your local Social Security office. While replacing your card won’t prevent fraud, having a copy on hand helps you prove your identity when necessary.