Your Social Security number (SSN) serves as a critical identifier in various aspects of daily life, including filing tax returns, applying for jobs, and opening new lines of credit. Due to its importance, it has become a prime target for identity thieves, making the security of your SSN a pressing concern. If your SSN is compromised, it can lead to severe financial repercussions, such as unauthorized credit card debt, theft of your tax refunds, and a multitude of other complications that can disrupt your life.

To combat this growing threat, you can take proactive measures to protect your SSN by locking or freezing it. Locking your SSN creates significant barriers for cybercriminals, drastically reducing their ability to exploit your personal information. When combined with a credit freeze, which restricts access to your credit report, you create a formidable defense against potential malicious activities.

While the process of locking your SSN may seem cumbersome or even extreme, it can be a wise decision, especially if you have previously suffered from identity theft or if your personal information has been exposed in high-profile data breaches, such as those involving Change Healthcare or National Public Data. In such cases, locking your SSN could shield you from further vulnerabilities.

Steps to Lock Your Social Security Number

There are two primary methods to block access to your SSN:

• Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA): You can reach the SSA by calling 1-800-772-1213 during their operational hours, which are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. Generally, the best times to call are early in the morning or later in the week, as wait times tend to be shorter during these periods. After verifying your identity, the SSA can promptly restrict electronic access to your SSN.
• Create an E-Verify Account: Alternatively, you have the option to establish a MyE-Verify online account. This platform allows you to lock your SSN using a self-lock feature that remains in effect for one year. You will receive a notification 30 days prior to the expiration of this lock, providing you with the opportunity to extend it if necessary. This service is particularly useful as many employers utilize E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.

When you successfully lock your SSN, any attempt by a company to verify your identity via your SSN will be thwarted, effectively preventing criminals from committing fraud using your information. Moreover, this online approach can be more convenient than constantly calling the SSA each time you need your SSN unlocked.

Understanding the Downsides of Locking Your SSN

However, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of locking your SSN. The primary drawback mirrors the experience of individuals who have placed a credit freeze. When you lock access to your SSN, you also restrict your ability to access it, which means you will face the inconvenience of unlocking it every time a new employer needs to verify your eligibility for work in the U.S. or when you apply for government benefits.

For those who have been victims of identity theft, this inconvenience may be a small price to pay for enhanced security. Additionally, to bolster your defenses against tax identity theft, consider obtaining an identity protection PIN from the IRS, which prevents unauthorized individuals from filing a tax return in your name.

Distinguishing Between SSN Locking and Credit Freezes

Its important to note that locking your SSN differs from executing a credit freeze, although both options are free. Locking your SSN restricts online access to your Social Security records, while a credit freeze limits access to your credit reports. To initiate a credit freeze, you must contact all three major credit bureausExperian, Equifax, and TransUnionto prevent anyone from opening new credit accounts in your name.

Is Locking Your SSN Enough to Prevent Identity Theft?

The answer to this question is somewhat ambiguous: locking your SSN can certainly reduce the risk of employment identity theft or stopping someone from fraudulently collecting government benefits in your name. However, it does not entirely eliminate the risk of all forms of identity theft. Therefore, it remains crucial to only share your SSN when absolutely necessary and to avoid doing so in response to unsolicited calls or text messages.

Additionally, monitoring your financial accounts and credit reports for any unusual activities is advisable. For those seeking extra security, numerous services provide credit monitoring or identity theft protection, which often includes alerts in the event of a data breach. Some of these services offer comprehensive assistance to recover your identity if it is compromised.

As an extra safety measure, you can freeze your credit with Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, thus preventing identity thieves from opening new lines of credit, such as loans or mortgages, in your name. Many individuals have reported that the process of freezing their credit is surprisingly straightforward.

In conclusion, taking steps to protect your identity is crucial in todays digital world. Whether you choose to lock your SSN, freeze your credit, or utilize monitoring services, being proactive can help safeguard your personal information.