Your Social Security number (SSN) is a critical piece of information used for everything from securing a job, filing taxes, to applying for credit.
However, if your SSN falls into the wrong hands, it could lead to identity theft, allowing criminals to misuse it for employment fraud, open unauthorized accounts, or even steal your tax refund.
Taking preventive measures, such as locking your SSN, can help safeguard your financial future.
Why You Should Consider Locking Your Social Security Number
Blocking electronic access to your Social Security number might seem excessive and inconvenient, but it is a crucial step, especially if you’ve fallen victim to identity theft or if your information was exposed in a data breach.
Notable incidents like the Change Healthcare or National Public Data hacks have affected millions, exposing personal details to cybercriminals.
By locking your SSN, you significantly reduce the risk of identity thieves using your information for malicious purposes. When combined with a credit freeze, this can prevent unauthorized use of your identity for new accounts or benefits.
How to Lock Your Social Security Number
There are two primary methods for locking access to your Social Security number:
1. Call the Social Security Administration (SSA)
To block access to your SSN, you can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 during their business hours (8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday).
It’s advisable to call early in the morning or late in the week to minimize wait times. After confirming your identity, the SSA can disable electronic access to your SSN.
2. Create an E-Verify Account
Alternatively, you can lock your SSN online by creating a MyE-Verify account. This platform allows you to use the self-lock feature, which blocks access to your SSN for one year. You’ll receive a notification 30 days before the lock expires, allowing you to extend it if needed.
Many employers use E-Verify, a service run by the SSA and US Citizenship and Immigration Services, to confirm employment eligibility. By locking your SSN, companies attempting to verify your identity through E-Verify will be unable to access your records.
Potential Downsides of Locking Your SSN
While locking your Social Security number adds a layer of protection, it does come with drawbacks. Similar to a credit freeze, locking your SSN also limits your access. This means you will have to unlock it whenever you need to verify your work eligibility for a new job or apply for government benefits.
The process of locking and unlocking your SSN may be cumbersome, but for those who have experienced identity theft or tax fraud, it can be worth the hassle. Additionally, creating an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) with the IRS can provide extra security against tax-related fraud by preventing others from filing a return under your SSN.
Difference Between SSN Lock and Credit Freeze
While both SSN locking and credit freezing are free protective measures, they serve different purposes:
| Feature | SSN Lock | Credit Freeze |
|---|---|---|
| Functionality | Blocks access to your Social Security record | Blocks access to your credit reports |
| Service Provider | Social Security Administration (SSA) | Experian, Equifax, TransUnion |
| Use Case | Prevents employment identity theft | Prevents creation of unauthorized credit |
A credit freeze requires contacting all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) to prevent new credit accounts from being opened in your name.
Will Locking My SSN Prevent Identity Theft?
While locking your SSN can protect against certain types of fraud, such as employment identity theft and fraudulent government benefits claims, it doesn’t guard against all forms of identity theft. For enhanced security, it’s essential to:
- Share your SSN only when absolutely necessary.
- Avoid disclosing your SSN over unsolicited calls or messages.
- Monitor your financial accounts and credit reports for unusual activities.
Additionally, consider subscribing to credit monitoring or identity theft protection services, which often include dark web monitoring and alerts if your information is compromised. Such services can also assist in restoring your identity if you become a victim of fraud.
FAQs
What is the difference between an SSN lock and a credit freeze?
An SSN lock restricts access to your Social Security records, whereas a credit freeze prevents creditors from accessing your credit reports to open new accounts in your name.
Can I unlock my SSN if needed?
Yes, you can unlock your SSN either by contacting the Social Security Administration or by using the MyE-Verify platform if you locked it online.
Will locking my SSN affect my credit score?
No, locking your SSN or placing a credit freeze will not impact your credit score.
Is there a fee to lock or unlock my SSN?
No, both locking your SSN through the SSA and freezing your credit with the major bureaus are free services.
