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

At this point, it's likely that many people's Social Security numbers (SSNs)—critical pieces of personal data—have ended up on the dark web. Due to breaches at major corporations, government websites, and healthcare providers, millions of SSNs circulate among cybercriminals. This is concerning, but how serious is it?

Spoiler alert: It's very serious. Here's why a compromised SSN can cause significant problems, how to check if yours has been exposed, 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 crucial part of your identity. With just your SSN, a hacker can access a vast array of financial and personal information, enabling them to impersonate you, secure loans, and potentially gain access to sensitive accounts. Even if the effects aren't immediate, criminals may hold onto SSNs for years, waiting for the perfect opportunity to exploit them.

What Can Happen If Someone Has Your Social Security Number?

If your SSN falls into the wrong hands, it can lead to:

• Identity Theft: Fraudsters can use your SSN to open credit accounts, secure loans, or file false tax returns in your name.
• Employment Fraud: Your SSN could be used by someone to get a job, resulting in unexpected tax complications for you.
• Medical Fraud: Criminals may use stolen SSNs to access healthcare services under your name, creating false medical records that can complicate future care.

Consider the Equifax data breach of 2017, which exposed the SSNs and personal information of 147 million people. Many victims faced issues like fraudulent credit card applications and false tax returns, with some still dealing with the consequences today. This incident highlights the serious nature of SSN exposure and serves as proof that it occurs.

Signs Your Social Security Number Has Been Stolen

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

• Unexpected Mail: Receiving credit card offers, debt collection notices, or bills for accounts you didn't open.
• Credit Report Surprises: Discovering accounts you don't recognize or inquiries from unfamiliar sources on your credit report.
• Tax Return Issues: Receiving IRS notifications about multiple tax returns filed under your name or being denied a refund you expected.
• Health Care Records: Spotting unfamiliar medical bills or unusual 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 these warning signs or just want to be cautious, here are some steps to check and protect yourself:

• Monitor Your Credit Report: Start by reviewing your credit report for any unfamiliar accounts. You're entitled to a free annual credit report from each of the major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax). Regularly checking these reports can help you spot 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 detect and respond to issues more quickly.
• Freeze Your Credit: Freezing your credit is an effective way to prevent fraud. It 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 exhaustive, these alerts provide an extra layer of awareness to help you catch fraud early.

What to Do Immediately If Your SSN Is Leaked

If you confirm your SSN is compromised, take these immediate actions:

• 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 can serve as useful documentation for resolving issues with creditors.
• Notify Financial Institutions: Contact your bank and any other financial institutions where you hold 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 personally identifiable information is crucial for security. A compromised SSN can lead to various risks, including identity theft for employees and clients, unauthorized access to financial accounts, and potential data breaches. Businesses often store sensitive employee and client information, so an SSN leak can expose not only individuals but also the business to legal and financial risks, as well as reputational damage.

Implementing a robust cybersecurity plan, including data encryption, network security, and employee education, is essential for protecting sensitive information and preventing 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 847-380-1993 to schedule a FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call and safeguard your business from costly cyberthreats.