What can someone do with your Social Security number?

Your Social Security number (SSN) isn’t just another piece of ID: it’s basically the key that unlocks a lot of your personal life. It’s tied to your taxes, bank accounts, healthcare, and even your future benefits. That’s why SSN identity theft can be so damaging.

If someone gets hold of your number, they could open credit cards in your name, take out loans you never signed up for, or even file fake tax returns to steal your refund. Some scammers also use stolen SSNs to get medical care or benefits, leaving you with a mess to untangle.

In this article, we’ll walk through what your SSN really does, how thieves manage to steal it, the kinds of problems it can cause, and, most importantly, the steps you can take to protect yourself from SSN identity theft before it happens.

Please note: This information is for general educational purposes and not financial or legal advice.

What is a Social Security number?

A Social Security number is a nine-digit number issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) to eligible individuals. It’s used by the federal government to track a person’s earnings and determine eligibility for Social Security benefits. Over time, it has also become an identifier requested by banks, employers, healthcare providers, and other institutions to manage records and verify identity.

SSN is made up of nine digits, written in the format XXX-XX-XXXX. It’s split into three parts: the first three digits are the area number, the next two digits are the group number, and the final four digits are the serial number.

What information can someone get from your SSN?

While the SSN itself doesn’t contain coded personal information, it’s linked in official systems to details such as a person’s name and date of birth. In practice, it functions as a national identification number and therefore qualifies as sensitive personally identifiable information (PII). That’s why, in the wrong hands, it can be used to pull up more data about you and pass identity checks.

With just your SSN and some basic personal information, like your name, date of birth, and address, scammers may be able to open new credit cards or take out loans in your name. If they also have access to your financial information, it only makes their attempts more convincing and harder to detect.

Any debt they leave unpaid can harm your credit score and make it harder for you to get approved in the future. In some cases, a stolen SSN can also be used to access government records, healthcare benefits, or employment information that relies on that number for verification.

How can someone steal your Social Security number?

There isn’t just one way a Social Security number can end up in the wrong hands. Criminals use both online and offline tactics to get it, often combining them with other personal details to make the theft more effective. Some methods rely on technology, while others are as simple as going through stolen mail or discarded paperwork.

Phishing attacks

Phishing is a tactic where scammers pretend to be from a trusted organization, like a bank or government agency, to get you to hand over your Social Security number.

They might send emails, text messages, or direct messages that look genuine but lead to fake websites or prompt you to share personal details. Some phishing attempts also use attachments or links that install malicious software designed to capture your information.

Learn more: Check out how to prevent phishing attacks.

Stolen wallets containing Social Security cards

If someone steals a wallet or purse that holds your Social Security card, they have direct access to the number printed on it. This type of theft can happen in public places, during a burglary, or in any situation where personal belongings are left unattended. Once the card is taken, the information can be used to commit identity theft or sold to others who misuse it.

Mail stolen from the trash

Discarded mail can contain personal information, including documents with your Social Security number. Criminals may search through household garbage, business waste, or public dumpsters to find bank statements, tax forms, or other paperwork that reveals sensitive details. This information can then be used to impersonate you or commit fraud.

Data breaches

Organizations such as banks, employers, healthcare providers, and government agencies store large amounts of personal data, often including Social Security numbers. When these databases are exposed in a cyberattack or through human error, the information can be accessed, copied, or sold by unauthorized parties. Criminals may use stolen SSNs to open accounts, apply for benefits, or combine them with other details to commit identity theft.

Unscrupulous employees

In rare cases, people with authorized access to personal records misuse that access for profit. A scammer might pay an employee to provide details from applications or account files that include a Social Security number. This type of insider theft can be difficult to detect because it happens within trusted organizations.

What can someone do with your Social Security number?

Your Social Security number can be misused in ways that affect both your finances and your personal records. Criminals who get access to it can commit different types of fraud that may take months or years to resolve, depending on the case.

• File a fraudulent tax return: Criminals can use your SSN to submit a tax return before you do, collecting your refund illegally. This type of social security fraud can cause complications with your taxes, like delays or additional reviews. Filing your taxes early and monitoring for identity fraud linked to your return can help reduce the risk.
• Steal your government benefits: Scammers may apply for unemployment or other assistance programs using your SSN, preventing you from accessing them when you need them. In some cases, this social security scam can even result in legal consequences if false information is linked to your name.
• Obtain credit cards, bank accounts, or loans in your name: With your SSN and some additional personal information, criminals can carry out credit card fraud or bank account fraud, creating debts you didn’t agree to. This can damage your credit score, limit your ability to get future loans, and take years to fix.
• Buy or rent property: Fraudsters may use your SSN along with falsified documents to sign a lease or take out a mortgage they never intend to pay, leaving you with unpaid bills, damaged credit, and possible legal disputes. A misuse of SSN can be financially devastating.
• Get medical care using your benefits: In cases of medical identity theft, scammers use your SSN to obtain health care or insurance coverage under your name. This can lead to unexpected bills, credit issues, and long processes to correct your medical records.
• Buy a car: Criminals can use your SSN and other stolen details to take out auto loans without making payments, leaving you with debt and potentially higher insurance premiums. This is another example of identity fraud tied to a stolen Social Security number.
• Obtain a passport: With your SSN and forged supporting documents, someone could apply for a passport in your name, which can be used for travel to avoid legal restrictions or to commit crimes under your identity. This form of criminal identity theft can have serious international legal consequences.
• Open a bank account in your name: A stolen Social Security number could be used with additional details to open a bank account or credit card in your name, giving scammers access to financial products under your identity.
• Withdraw money from your bank account: With your SSN combined with other stolen information like account or login details, criminals could gain access to your bank accounts and drain funds through unauthorized transfers or purchases.
• Get a fraudulent driver’s license: With a stolen SSN and other personal details, a scammer can apply for a driver’s license under your name. This document can then be used to impersonate you or support other fraudulent activities.
• Open a phone account: Criminals can use your SSN and personal information to open a phone line or mobile service account in your name. They can rack up unpaid bills that may damage your credit history.
• Use your identity if caught committing a crime: In cases of criminal identity theft, someone arrested or investigated for a crime may give your name and SSN to avoid responsibility. This can leave you with a criminal record that doesn’t belong to you.

How to check if your Social Security number has been stolen

Detecting SSN theft early can help limit the damage. Watch for sudden changes in your credit score, unfamiliar accounts, or government notices you didn’t request, and be alert to any suspicious activity tied to your number.

Keep an eye on your accounts

Monitor your bank, credit card, and loan accounts on a regular basis to spot any activity you don’t recognize. Even small, unexplained charges or changes in your balances could indicate that someone is using your Social Security number. Most banks and card issuers let you set up alerts for transactions, which can help you act quickly if something suspicious appears.

Review your credit reports

Reviewing your credit reports from the three main credit bureaus lets you spot unfamiliar accounts, credit inquiries, or changes in your score. These reports can show if someone is using your SSN to open credit in your name, helping you act quickly to limit further misuse.

The only federally authorized site to request these reports is AnnualCreditReport.com. It’s run by Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Set up and check your mySocial Security account

Creating a free and secure my Social Security account on the official SSA website gives you quick access to important tools and information. With this account, you can review your earnings record, estimate future retirement benefits, request a replacement card, and manage benefits if you’re already receiving them.

You can also choose to receive notices online instead of by mail, with email or text alerts when new notices are available. Regularly checking your account helps you stay in control of your information and detect any unusual activity early.

What to do if someone has your Social Security number

Finding out that someone has your Social Security number can be alarming, but acting quickly might help limit the damage. Your SSN is tied to your financial, tax, and even medical records, so it’s a prime target for identity thieves. If it’s been stolen or exposed, follow these steps to protect your credit, prevent further misuse, and start the recovery process:

1. Report the theft to the FTC

Start by reporting the theft to the Federal Trade Commission through IdentityTheft.gov. You’ll be asked to provide details about how your Social Security number was stolen or misused. The FTC will then generate a personalized recovery plan outlining the steps you need to take, which can include creating official reports and letters to send to creditors, government agencies, or other organizations involved.

2. Contact banks and credit card companies

If a fraudster has opened a credit card or loan account in your name, call the bank or card issuer immediately and explain that it’s unauthorized. They can close the fraudulent account to stop further misuse.

For your existing accounts, report any unauthorized transactions right away. Banks and credit card companies can investigate the charges, remove fraudulent debts, and issue you a new card if needed. Acting quickly limits the damage and helps prevent additional fraudulent activity.

3. Freeze your credit reports

Placing a credit freeze makes it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name. It stops lenders from accessing your credit file, which can block applications made by scammers. The freeze doesn’t affect your credit score, and you can lift or reinstate it at any time by contacting each of the three major credit bureaus individually.

You’ll need to set up the freeze separately with each of the three major credit bureaus:

• Experian
• TransUnion
• Equifax

4. File a police report

Filing a police report can help create an official record of identity theft. This may be useful if you know who committed the fraud, have evidence to share with law enforcement, or need to clear your name after someone used your information during an encounter with the police. Bring documentation such as your FTC Identity Theft Report, a government-issued photo ID, proof of address, and any evidence of the misuse.

5. Close any new accounts opened in your name

If someone has opened accounts using your Social Security number, contact the company right away to explain the situation. Ask them to close the accounts to prevent further misuse. You may need to provide proof of identity theft, such as your FTC Identity Theft Report, and any documentation showing the account was created without your consent.

How to prevent someone from using your Social Security number

Protecting your Social Security number starts with a few everyday habits. Keep your physical card stored safely at home and only carry it with you when it’s absolutely necessary. Whenever you need to share your SSN, make sure you know exactly who you’re giving it to and why they need it.

It’s a good idea to check your credit reports regularly so you can spot any activity you don’t recognize and keep an eye on records tied to your number for anything unusual. When you no longer need a document that includes your SSN, destroy it with a shredder before discarding it to ensure no one can retrieve it later.

Be extra cautious online. Set up two-factor or multi-factor authentication for important accounts and don’t enter your SSN on a website unless you’re certain it’s secure. Avoid handling personal or financial matters over public Wi-Fi, unless you use a trusted VPN like ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN also comes with Identity Defender for U.S. subscribers, a suite of tools built right into the ExpressVPN app that helps keep your Social Security number and other personal data safe.

• Credit Scanner lets you monitor your credit activity directly from the app. If someone tries to use your SSN to open a new account or take out a loan, you’ll be able to spot it quickly and take action before the damage spreads.
• ID Alerts keep watch for suspicious activity, like unauthorized changes of address or your SSN being used for loans and payments. You’ll get notified right away so you can freeze your credit, contact banks, or report fraud without delay.
• Data Removal tackles another risk: data brokers. These companies collect and sell your personal details, including those linked to your SSN. Identity Defender searches broker sites and removes your information to reduce your exposure.
• And if the worst happens, ID Theft Insurance can reimburse eligible losses to help cover the costs of restoring your identity.

Together, these tools don’t just alert you after the fact; they actively reduce your chances of someone successfully misusing your Social Security number.

Learn more: Understanding how data leaks can drive identity theft can help you see why these regular checks are so important.