Is Your Social Security Number Compromised? How to Check and What to Do.
Your Social Security number (SSN) is one of the most critical pieces of your identity. Unfortunately, thanks to widespread data breaches at corporations, healthcare providers, and government agencies, millions of SSNs have been exposed on the dark web.
If your SSN is compromised, it’s a big deal. Let’s explore why this matters, how to determine if your SSN has been leaked, and the steps you can take to minimize the damage.
Why a Leaked Social Security Number is a Major Threat
Your SSN acts as a gateway to your identity, particularly in the U.S. With just your SSN, cybercriminals can:
Steal Your Identity: Fraudsters can open credit accounts, take out loans, or file false tax returns in your name.
Commit Employment Fraud: Criminals may use your SSN to secure jobs, leaving you with potential tax liabilities.
Engage in Medical Fraud: Fraudsters can use your SSN to access healthcare services, creating false medical records and bills under your name.
Take the infamous Equifax data breach of 2017 as an example. This breach exposed the SSNs of 147 million people, leading to fraudulent credit card applications, tax fraud, and other long-term complications for victims.
Signs Your Social Security Number May Be Stolen
Here are some common red flags indicating that your SSN might be compromised:
Unfamiliar Mail: Receiving bills, credit card offers, or debt collection notices for accounts you didn’t open.
Credit Report Discrepancies: Unknown accounts or inquiries appear on your credit report.
Tax Filing Issues: The IRS notifies you of multiple tax returns filed under your name or denies your refund.
Medical Record Irregularities: Unexpected medical bills or incorrect entries in your health records.
How to Check If Your SSN Was Leaked
Even if you haven’t noticed suspicious activity, it’s wise to check if your SSN has been compromised and take steps to protect it:
1. Monitor Your Credit Report
Check your credit report for unusual activity. You’re entitled to a free report annually from the three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Regular reviews can help you spot potential fraud early.
2. Use Identity Theft Protection Services
Services like Experian IdentityWorks or LifeLock monitor your SSN and alert you to suspicious use. While these services don’t prevent theft, they can help you respond more quickly to issues.
3. Freeze Your Credit
Freezing your credit prevents anyone from accessing your credit report, making it difficult for criminals to open new accounts in your name. You can freeze and unfreeze your credit for free through Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.
4. Sign Up for SSN Alerts
The Social Security Administration provides alerts for certain activities related to your SSN. While not comprehensive, this extra layer of monitoring can help detect fraud early.
What to Do If Your SSN Is Compromised
If you confirm your SSN is leaked, act quickly to minimize the damage:
File a Report with the FTC
Visit IdentityTheft.gov to file a report. The site provides a personalized recovery plan based on your situation.
Contact the Credit Bureaus
Notify Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to place a fraud alert on your credit report, requiring extra verification before issuing credit.
Freeze Your Credit
Immediately freeze your credit if you haven’t done so already.
File a Police Report
If the theft involves financial loss or criminal activity, file a police report to support future claims with creditors or insurers.
Alert Financial Institutions
Contact your bank and other financial institutions to monitor and protect your accounts from unauthorized activity.
Protecting Your Business from SSN Leaks
Businesses must also safeguard Social Security numbers and other sensitive information. A compromised SSN can expose employees, clients, and the organization itself to identity theft, unauthorized access to financial accounts, and costly legal or reputational risks.
Best Practices for Business Cybersecurity:
- Implement data encryption to protect stored and transmitted information.
- Strengthen network security with firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems.
- Provide cybersecurity training for employees to reduce human error risks.
- Secure Your Business With CNS
At Capital Network Solutions, Inc., we specialize in helping businesses protect sensitive data with SOC 2-compliant security measures, robust cybersecurity training, and 24/7 monitoring solutions.
Call us today at 916-365-4707 or visit www.callcns.com to schedule a FREE Security Risk Assessment and ensure your business is safe from identity theft and data breaches.
