Is Your Social Security Number Leaked? Here’s How To Find Out And What To Do Next

By now, it's likely that many people's Social Security numbers (SSNs)—one of the most crucial pieces of personal data—have ended up on the dark web. Due to data breaches at major corporations, government sites, and healthcare providers, millions of SSNs circulate among cybercriminals. This situation is concerning, and yes, it is a big deal. Here's why a compromised SSN can cause significant problems, how to determine if yours has been leaked, and what steps to take if it has.

Is a Leaked Social Security Number Really That Serious?

In the US, your Social Security number is a critical part of your identity. With access to your SSN, a hacker can uncover extensive financial and personal information, enabling them to impersonate you, secure loans, and potentially access sensitive accounts. Even if the effects aren't immediate, criminals can retain SSNs for years, waiting for the right time to exploit them.

What Can Happen If Someone Has Your Social Security Number?

If your SSN falls into the wrong hands, it can result in:

• Identity Theft: Criminals can use your SSN to open credit accounts, secure loans, or file false tax returns in your name.
• Employment Fraud: Someone might use your SSN to obtain employment, which could lead to unexpected tax complications for you.
• Medical Fraud: Some criminals use stolen SSNs to receive healthcare services under someone else's name, leading to inaccurate medical records that can complicate future care.

Consider the Equifax data breach in 2017, which exposed the SSNs and personal information of 147 million people. Many victims faced issues such as fraudulent credit card applications and false tax returns, with some still dealing with the repercussions today. The Equifax breach underscores the seriousness of SSN exposure and proves that it can happen.

Signs Your Social Security Number Has Been Stolen

Concerned that your SSN might be misused? Look out for these warning signs:

• Unexpected Mail: You receive credit card offers, debt collection notices, or bills for accounts you didn't open.
• Credit Report Surprises: Your credit report lists accounts you don't recognize or inquiries from unknown sources.
• Tax Return Issues: The IRS informs you of multiple tax returns filed under your name, or you're denied an expected refund.
• Health Care Records: You notice unfamiliar medical bills or strange entries in your medical records.

How to Check If Your SSN Was Leaked - And What You Can Do To Protect It

Whether you've noticed some warning signs or just want to be cautious, here are ways to check and protect yourself:

• Monitor Your Credit Report: Check your credit report for unfamiliar accounts. You're entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax). Regularly review these reports for unusual activity.
• Use an Identity Theft Protection Service: Services like Experian IdentityWorks or LifeLock can monitor your SSN and alert you to suspicious use. While they can't prevent identity theft, they can help you quickly identify and address issues.
• Freeze Your Credit: Freezing your credit is a highly effective way to prevent fraud. A freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it much harder for someone to open accounts in your name. You can freeze and unfreeze your credit for free through each of the three major credit bureaus.
• Sign Up for SSN Alerts: The Social Security Administration offers alerts for certain activities, like changes to your Social Security account. While not comprehensive, it's an additional layer of awareness to help detect fraud early.

What To Do Immediately If Your SSN Is Leaked

If you confirm that your SSN is compromised, take these steps immediately:

• File a Report with the FTC: Visit IdentityTheft.gov to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission. The site will guide you through a recovery plan tailored to your situation.
• Contact the Credit Bureaus: Inform the credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) that your SSN has been compromised. Place a fraud alert on your credit report to ensure lenders take extra steps to verify your identity before issuing credit.
• Freeze Your Credit: If you haven't already, place a freeze on your credit report to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
• File a Police Report: If the identity theft has resulted in financial loss or involves criminal activity, consider filing a report with your local police department. This documentation can be useful for resolving issues with creditors.
• Notify Financial Institutions: Contact your bank and any other financial institutions where you have accounts to inform them that your SSN has been compromised. They can place alerts on your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.

Protecting Your Business: Why Cybersecurity Matters

For small and medium-sized businesses, safeguarding Social Security numbers and other personal information is crucial for 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 information, an SSN leak can expose both individuals and the business itself to legal, financial, and reputational risks.

Implementing a robust cybersecurity plan, including data encryption, network security, and employee education, is the best way to protect sensitive information and prevent data leaks.

If you need help securing your business against data breaches and identity theft, our cybersecurity team is here to support you. Click here or give us a call at 973-575-4950 to schedule a FREE Discovery Call and safeguard your business from costly cyberthreats.