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

At this stage, it's likely that most Social Security numbers (SSNs)—one of the most critical pieces of personal information—have surfaced on the dark web. Due to data breaches at major corporations, government platforms, and healthcare providers, millions of SSNs are circulating among cybercriminals. This is a concerning issue, but just how serious is it?

The answer is clear: it's a significant concern. Here's how a compromised SSN can disrupt your life, how to determine if yours has been leaked, and what steps to take if it has.

Is a Leaked Social Security Number Really a Big Deal?

In the United States, your Social Security number is a crucial element of your identity. With access to your SSN, a hacker can delve into a wealth of financial and personal information, impersonate you, secure loans, and potentially access sensitive accounts. Even if you don't notice immediate consequences, criminals can retain SSNs for years, waiting for the opportune moment to exploit them.

Potential Consequences of Someone Obtaining Your Social Security Number

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

• Identity Theft: Fraudsters 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 leading to unexpected tax complications for you.
• Medical Fraud: Criminals may use stolen SSNs to obtain healthcare services under your name, resulting in inaccurate medical records that could complicate future care.

Consider the Equifax data breach in 2017, which exposed the SSNs and personal information of 147 million people. Many victims experienced issues like fraudulent credit card applications and false tax returns, with some still dealing with the repercussions today. The Equifax breach exemplifies the gravity of SSN exposure and proves that such incidents do occur.

Signs Your Social Security Number May Have Been Stolen

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

• Unexpected Mail: Receiving credit card offers, debt collection notices, or bills for accounts you didn't open.
• Credit Report Anomalies: Your credit report lists accounts you don't recognize or inquiries from unknown sources.
• Tax Return Discrepancies: The IRS informs you of multiple tax returns filed under your name, or you're denied an expected refund.
• Unfamiliar Medical Records: You see unexpected medical bills or strange entries in your medical records.

How to Check if Your SSN Was Leaked and Protect It

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

• Monitor Your Credit Report: Review 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 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 quickly detect and address issues.
• Freeze Your Credit: Freezing your credit is an effective way to prevent fraud. It restricts access to your credit report, making it harder for anyone to open accounts in your name. You can freeze and unfreeze your credit for free through each major credit bureau.
• Sign Up for SSN Alerts: The Social Security Administration offers alerts for certain activities, such as changes to your Social Security account. Although not comprehensive, it's an additional layer of protection that can help you detect fraud early.

Immediate Steps if Your SSN Is Leaked

If you confirm that your SSN has been compromised, take these actions immediately:

• File a Report with the FTC: Visit IdentityTheft.gov to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission. This site will guide you through a personalized recovery plan.
• Notify the Credit Bureaus: Inform Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion that your SSN has been compromised. Place a fraud alert on your credit report to require 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 results in financial loss or involves criminal activity, consider filing a report with your local police department. This can provide useful documentation for resolving issues with creditors.
• Notify Financial Institutions: Contact your bank and other financial institutions to inform them that your SSN has been compromised. They can monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and place alerts as needed.

Protecting Your Business: The Importance of Cybersecurity

For small and medium-sized businesses, safeguarding Social Security numbers and other personal information is crucial. 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 strategy, including data encryption, network security, and employee education, is essential to protect sensitive information and prevent 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 954-327-1001 to schedule a FREE Consult and safeguard your business from costly cyberthreats.