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

By now, many Social Security numbers (SSNs), one of the most critical pieces of personal data, have likely ended up on the dark web. This is due to data breaches at major corporations, government sites, and even healthcare providers, resulting in millions of SSNs circulating among cybercriminals. It's 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 leaked, 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 vital part of your identity. With just your SSN, a hacker can access a vast array of financial and personal information, impersonate you, take out loans, and potentially access sensitive accounts. Even if the impact isn'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: Criminals can use your SSN to open credit accounts, secure loans, or even file fraudulent tax returns in your name.
• Employment Fraud: Someone might use your SSN to get a job, causing you unexpected tax issues.
• Medical Fraud: Some criminals use stolen SSNs to receive healthcare under another person's name, which can result in false medical records complicating future care.

Consider the Equifax data breach in 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 repercussions today. The Equifax breach exemplifies the seriousness of SSN exposure.

Signs Your Social Security Number Has Been Stolen

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

• Unexpected Mail: Receiving credit card offers, debt collection notices, or bills for accounts you didn't open.
• Credit Report Surprises: Finding unfamiliar accounts or inquiries from unknown sources on your credit report.
• Tax Return Issues: Receiving IRS notifications of multiple tax returns filed under your name or being denied an expected refund.
• Health Care Records: Discovering unfamiliar medical bills or strange 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 ways to check and protect yourself:

• Monitor Your Credit Report: Begin by reviewing your credit report for unfamiliar accounts. You're entitled to a free credit report annually from each major credit bureau (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax). Regularly reviewing these reports can help identify unusual activity early.
• Use An Identity Theft Protection Service: Services like Experian IdentityWorks or LifeLock can monitor your SSN and alert you to suspicious usage. 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 one of the most effective ways to prevent fraud. It restricts access to your credit report, making it difficult 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 specific activities, like changes to your Social Security account. While not exhaustive, it's an extra layer of awareness to help detect 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 provides 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 verify your identity before issuing credit.
• Freeze Your Credit: If not already done, place a credit freeze to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
• File A Police Report: If identity theft has led to 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: Alert your bank and any other financial institutions where you hold accounts about your compromised SSN. 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 identity theft for employees and clients, unauthorized access to financial accounts, and potential data breaches. Since businesses often store sensitive information, an SSN leak can expose both individuals and the business to legal, financial, and reputational risks.

Implementing a strong 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 833-443-8357 to schedule a FREE Discovery Call and safeguard your business from costly cyberthreats.