Social Security numbers were initially devised in the 1930s to track Americans' earnings and calculate their benefits. Today, they're a nearly universal security feature in a wide variety of accounts, including credit cards, mobile phones and retail.
That makes them attractive to hackers and scammers and, increasingly, the subject of data breaches.
Getting hold of your Social Security number is a gateway to all kinds of personal data and can be used to open fraudulent credit card accounts, file false tax returns and even take out loans in your name without your knowledge.
CNBC Select explains how you can better safeguard your Social Security number.
Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
Plans from $10 to $32 per month, billed annually
Protects against identity theft, fraud, spam calls and websites, viruses and malware. Offers three-credit-bureau monitoring, VPN, dark web monitoring, password manager, email aliases and instant credit lock.
On Aura's site
From $7.50 to $25.00 per month, billed annually on individual plans and $12.50 to $33.33 per month, billed annually on family plans
Up to $1 million in insurance for eligible losses from identity theft
On Identity Guard's site
Protect your Social Security number
Identity protection services
The best identity theft protection services can help you uncover potential fraud early before it gets out of hand. Aura is a standout that protects against identity theft, financial fraud, spam calls, online theft, scam websites, viruses and more. In addition to plans for individuals and couples, there is a family plan with protection for kids, including child identity protection and cyberbullying alerts for online gaming
Aura
Cost
Kids: $13 per month or $10 per month billed annually; Individual: $15 per month or $12 per month billed annually; Couple: $29 per month or $22 per month billed annually; Family: $50 per month or $32 per month billed annually
Standout features
Protects against identity theft, fraud, spam calls and websites, viruses and malware. Offers three credit bureau monitoring, VPN, dark web monitoring, password manager, email aliases and instant credit lock.
Identity theft insurance
All plans include at least $1 million and white-glove fraud remediation
Terms apply.
Pros
- 14-day free trial
- Family plan includes up to 5 adults and an unlimited number of kids
- Discount if you buy an annual plan
- Up to $1 million to cover losses or expenses related to identity theft
Cons
- Doesn't monitor social media accounts
- Annual plans can only be canceled in the first 60 days for a money-back guarantee
IdentityForce plans come with dark web scanning and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance to restore your virtual reputation.
IdentityForce®
Cost
UltraSecure Individual: $19.90 per month or $199.90 per year; UltraSecure+Credit Individual: $34.90 per month or $349.90 per year; UltraSecure Family: $24.90 per month or $249.90 per year; UltraSecure+Credit Family: $39.90 per month or $399.90 per year
Credit bureaus monitored
3-bureau credit monitoring, alerts and reports: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion®, with UltraSecure+Credit Individual and UltraSecure+Credit Family plans only
Credit scoring model used
VantageScore® 3.0, with UltraSecure+Credit Individual and UltraSecure+Credit Family plans only
Dark web scan
Yes, with all plans
Identity theft insurance
Yes, at least $1 million with all plans
Terms apply.
Pros
- 3-bureau credit monitoring, alerts and reports
- Free VantageScore® 3.0
- Dark web scanning
- Minimum $1 million identity theft insurance coverage
- Offers family plan
Cons
- Plans start at about $20 per month
- Doesn't look at FICO® Score
- Credit monitoring, alerts and reports perks require UltraSecure+Credit plan
Freeze you credit
If you're worried you may be targeted by online fraudsters, you can block access to your credit report, which lenders need to approve personal loans, credit cards, mortgages and other financial products.
You won't be able to apply for new lines of credit, but it won't impact your credit score or your ability to use existing credit.
Implementing a credit freeze is free, but you'll need to reach out to all three credit bureaus:
- Equifax: Go to the Equifax consumer services center or call 888-378-4329.
- TransUnion: Go to TransUnion's website or call 800-916-8800.
- Experian: Contact Experian's security freeze center or call 888-397-3742.
LifeLock is a paid service that offers a one-touch credit freeze for all three bureaus, as well as social media monitoring and, if you're the victim of identity theft, up to $1 million for attorneys and specialists.
LifeLock™
Cost
Core: $10.42/month paid annually or $12.49/month; Advanced: $16.67/month paid annually or $19.99/month; Total: $29.17/month paid annually or $34.99/month
Identity theft insurance
Up to $1 million for lawyers and experts; up to $25,000 to $1 million each for stolen funds reimbursement and personal expense compensation
Credit monitoring
The Ultimate Plus plan monitors your Experian, Equifax and TransUnion credit reports; The Standard and Advantage plans monitor Equifax or TransUnion.
Mobile app
Yes
Family plan
Yes
Terms apply.
If your identity is stolen
If you're already the victim of identity theft, there are several steps you can take to recover and protect your identity, according to the Justice Department's Offices for Victims of Crime.
1. Place a fraud alert on your credit report to prevent anyone from opening up more lines of credit using your information. You only need to contact one of the three credit bureaus to start the process, but they will contact the other two.
2. If your identity has been compromised, you're entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each bureau. Review all three reports for signs of fraud or mistakes.
3. Keep track of all communication with financial institutions. If you need to turn to legal solutions later, it's important to have evidence of all your correspondences.
4.Have your information entered in the e Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse, a database that aids law enforcement in tracking hackers and fraudsters.
5. Notify the police to help you file a claim with your identity theft insurance provider and shield you from any fees or penalties.
Signs of a Social Security scam
According to the National Council on Aging, communications from Social Security scammers can be very convincing, including manufactured phone numbers and credentials and letters on what appears to be real SSA letterhead.
But there are several signs you may be the subject of a Social Security scam.
- You're told SSA needs to confirm your information. In this scam, an imposter reaches out via email, text or phone, claiming to need your SSN or bank direct deposit information to keep your benefits current. They may say you're eligible for a payment increase or that your benefits will be terminated if your account is not verified.
- You must "act quickly." An imposter claiming to be from the Social Security Administration claims your number has been frozen due to alleged criminal activity. They may ask you to verify your SSN to reinstate your benefits or request a gift card or money transfer.
- You've been overpaid Social Security benefits. In this scenario, a scammer says you need to return money to keep your account current, often in the form of gift cards, cryptocurrency or money transfer.
- You're asked to meet an SSA agent in person to make a cash payment. A scammer pretending to be from the SSA Office of Inspector General may ask you to meet them face to face to repay extra benefits.
Social Security FAQs
What is a Social Security number?
A Social Security number is a nine-digit number used to track an individual's earnings and Social Security Administration benefits record. It's also frequently used for identification purposes by financial and commercial institutions.
Can you change your Social Security number?
It is possible to get a new Social Security number but only in limited circumstances, including if you are an ongoing victim of identity theft or domestic abuse or more than one person has been assigned the same number. You'll need to provide documentation proving that your request is warranted and submit an SS-5 form to your local SSA office.
How do I find my Social Security number?
Your SSN is located on your Social Security card, as well as on tax returns, W-2 forms, bank statements and other financial documents. If you need a replacement card, you can apply at a local Social Security branch or through the Social Security Administration website.
Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of identity protection and credit monitoring products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
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