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

By now, it's likely that many people's Social Security numbers (SSNs), one of the most critical pieces of personal data, have appeared on the dark web. Due to breaches at major corporations, government platforms, and healthcare providers, countless SSNs are circulating among cybercriminals. This is concerning, but how serious is it?

In short, very serious. Here's why a compromised SSN can cause significant disruption in your life, how to determine if your SSN has been exposed, and what steps to take if it has.

Is a Leaked Social Security Number Really That Serious?

In the U.S., your Social Security number is a vital component of your identity. With just your SSN, a hacker can access a wealth of financial and personal information, enabling them to impersonate you, secure loans, or gain entry to sensitive accounts. Even if the effects aren't immediate, criminals can hold onto SSNs for years, waiting for the opportune time to exploit them.

Potential Consequences of Someone Having Your Social Security Number:

If your SSN falls into the wrong hands, you could face:

• Identity Theft: Criminals might use your SSN to open credit accounts, secure loans, or file fraudulent tax returns in your name.
• Employment Fraud: Someone could use your SSN to get a job, potentially causing unexpected tax problems for you.
• Medical Fraud: Some criminals exploit stolen SSNs to obtain healthcare under another person's name, resulting in false medical records that may complicate your future care.

Consider the Equifax data breach of 2017, which exposed the SSNs and personal details of 147 million individuals. Many victims experienced issues like fraudulent credit card applications and false tax returns, with some still dealing with repercussions today. The Equifax breach exemplifies the severity of SSN exposure and proves that it can happen.

Signs Your Social Security Number Has Been Stolen:

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

• Unexpected Mail: You receive offers for credit cards, debt collection notices, or bills for accounts you didn't open.
• Credit Report Surprises: Your credit report lists accounts you don't recognize or inquiries from unknown sources.
• Tax Return Issues: The IRS notifies you of multiple tax returns filed under your name, or you're denied an expected refund.
• Health Care Records: You find unfamiliar medical bills or strange entries in your medical records.

How to Check If Your SSN Was Leaked and Protect It:

Whether you've noticed warning signs or just want to be cautious, here are some ways to check and protect yourself:

• Monitor Your Credit Report: Review your credit report for unfamiliar accounts. You're entitled to a free report annually from each major credit bureau (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax). Regularly check these reports for unusual activity.
• Use an Identity Theft Protection Service: Services like Experian IdentityWorks or LifeLock can monitor your SSN and alert you to suspicious activity. While they can't prevent identity theft, they can help you detect and address 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 harder for others to open accounts in your name. You can freeze and unfreeze your credit for free with each of the three major credit bureaus.
• Sign Up for SSN Alerts: The Social Security Administration offers alerts for certain activities, such as changes to your Social Security account. While not comprehensive, it's an additional layer of awareness to help spot fraud early.

Immediate Steps if Your SSN Is Leaked:

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

• 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 Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion that your SSN has been compromised. Place a fraud alert on your credit report, prompting lenders to verify your identity before issuing credit.
• Freeze Your Credit: If not already done, place a freeze on your credit report to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
• File a Police Report: If identity theft leads to financial loss or involves criminal activity, consider filing a report with your local police department. This documentation can be useful for resolving issues with creditors.
• Notify Financial Institutions: Contact your bank and other financial institutions to inform them your SSN has been compromised. They can place alerts on your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.

Protecting Your Business: The Importance of Cybersecurity

For small and medium-sized businesses, safeguarding Social Security numbers and other personal 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. Businesses that store sensitive employee and client information face legal, financial, and reputational risks if an SSN leak occurs.

Implementing a robust cybersecurity plan, including data encryption, network security, and employee education, is essential to 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 201-719-7000 to schedule a FREE Call With Our CEO and safeguard your business from costly cyberthreats.