Should I be worried if someone has my Social Security number?

Should I be worried if someone has my Social Security number?

If you suspect somebody has your Social Security Number — whether they stole it from a company (like Equifax) or you gave it to them voluntarily — it’s important to set up credit monitoring. Typically your bank or the company that was breached will provide this to you for free.

How do you know if someone has your Social Security number?

at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or go to: www.identitytheft.gov/ To order a copy of your Social Security Administration earnings and benefits statement, or to check whether someone has used your Social Security number to get a job or to avoid paying taxes, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/statement/.

What happens if someone has your Social Security number?

A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, they use the credit cards and don’t pay the bills, it damages your credit.

Why is it bad if someone knows your Social Security number?

Once an identity thief has your Social Security number, they can commit all sorts of financial fraud, potentially leaving you on the hook for their misconduct. Social Security numbers are wrapped up in most aspects of Americans’ lives—employment, medical history, taxes, education and bank accounts, to name a few.

What do you do if someone has your personal information?

If you become a victim of identity theft, or even suspect that you might be a victim, take immediate action.

1. Contact one of the credit reporting agencies’ fraud alert departments and place a fraud alert on your credit report.
2. Contact your lenders, banks, and insurance companies and let them know the situation.

Is my SSN linked to a bank account?

Your Social Security Number is not connected to a bank account. The only relationship your Social Security payments may have to your own bank account is if you sign up for direct deposit of your benefits.

Does your Social Security number show your bank accounts?

For the average American, the Social Security Number holds special significance. It follows you from birth to death and can act as a key to a variety of sensitive information – bank accounts, tax returns, driver’s license information, residences, etc.