Social Security Numbers Breached: What to Do

In 2023, the FTC received 5.4 million reports of fraud and identity theft. To protect yourself, freeze your credit, request credit reports, set up fraud alerts, monitor and dispute errors, and file identity theft reports. Also, report fraudulent activity to relevant agencies and enhance personal data security with strong passwords.

Kiran B.
4–6 minutes
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According to the FTC, in 2023 there were 5.4 million Fraud, Identity Theft and Other Reports (more info). If you or someone you know has been the victim of fraud or identity theft here’s what to do.

TL;DR (too long; didn’t read)

  1. Freeze credit at major bureaus.
  2. Request credit report
  3. Set up fraud alerts.

Collect Information and Document Everything

Record-Keeping Is Essential
It’s important to store all communications and information related to your Social Security number or credit reports. Note the date and time when you discover any issues and document every interaction with banks, credit issuers, credit bureaus, and federal agencies. Keep copies of the credit reports you request for your records.

Federal law allows you to obtain a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit reporting companies. By requesting these reports separately—for example, one every four months—you can monitor your credit throughout the year.

How to Request Your Free Credit Report:

For more information, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

What to Look for When Reviewing Your Credit Report:

  1. Check for Identity Errors
    • Mistakes in your personal information (wrong name, phone number, address)
    • Accounts belonging to someone with a similar name (mixed files)
    • Unauthorized accounts resulting from identity theft
  2. Check for Incorrect Reporting of Account Status
    • Closed accounts reported as open
    • Incorrectly listed as the owner of an account when you’re just an authorized user
    • Accounts inaccurately reported as late or delinquent
    • Wrong dates for last payment, account opening, or first delinquency
    • Duplicate debts listed more than once under different names
  3. Check for Data Management Errors
    • Accounts showing incorrect current balances
    • Accounts with incorrect credit limits

For more details on common errors, visit Common Credit Report Errors.

How to Dispute Errors:
If you find any errors, report them to the credit bureau promptly. Learn how to dispute errors here: Disputing Credit Report Errors.

Freeze Your Credit & Set Up Alerts

Freezing your credit is essential. It prevents unauthorized access to your credit reports, which can stop attackers in their tracks. Sometimes it can slow down applications for credit cards or other legitimate credit checks, but it is easy to unfreeze when needed. Ultimately, the added security is worth the trade-off in efficiency. Credit freezes are free; if you are being asked to pay, it’s not for a credit freeze.

Freeze Your Credit at the Three Major Credit Reporting Agencies:

Set Up Fraud Alerts at the Three Major Credit Reporting Agencies:

Anyone can apply for the one-year alerts. A seven-year alert option is available with proof of identity theft.

An initial fraud alert stays in your file for at least one year. An extended alert stays in your file for seven years. To place either of these alerts, a consumer reporting agency will require you to provide appropriate proof of your identity, which may include your Social Security number. If you ask for an extended alert, you will have to provide an identity theft report. This report includes a copy of a report you have filed with a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency, and any additional information a consumer reporting agency may require you to submit. For more detailed information about the identity theft report, visit What to Do If You’re a Victim of Identity Theft.

Note that not all forms of fraudulent activity involving your SSN will be hampered by a credit freeze. Even if your credit is frozen, set up credit alerts (often offered for free through credit card issuers) and/or check your credit report regularly to identify errors quickly.

File Identity Theft Reports

If you have evidence of fraudulent activity it makes sense to file identity theft reports with one or more of the following agencies:

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a report at IdentityTheft.gov. You’ll need to summarize your claim, provide details of the fraudulent activity, and sign a statement. Keep a copy of this report for future reference and to support additional claims with other agencies.
  • Local Police Department: File a police report with your local law enforcement agency, which can often be done online. You may need your completed FTC report to file this. Add the police report to your records to provide when disputing charges with creditors and agencies.
  • Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General: Submit a report either online or by calling 1-800-269-0271.

Report Fraudulent Activity to Your Bank and Credit Issuers

  • Contact Financial Institutions Immediately: If you notice unauthorized charges or accounts, report them right away. Credit card issuers typically won’t hold you responsible for fraudulent purchases and will issue new cards.
  • Request New Cards as a Precaution: Even without confirmed fraudulent activity, updating your cards or switching banks can enhance security.
  • Federal Student Loan Fraud: If fraud involves a federal student loan, contact the Department of Education and the loan servicer to follow their claim process.

Protect Your Data Going Forward

Enhance your personal data security:

  • Update Passwords and Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: Start with financial accounts and ensure all your online accounts have strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication enabled.
  • Be Cautious When Sharing Your SSN: Always question why a company needs your SSN. If it’s not essential for the service, you can decline to provide it.

By following these steps and maintaining proactive habits, you can safeguard your identity and mitigate the effects of any fraudulent activity involving your Social Security number.

For more information, visit:

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