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

By this point, most people’s Social Security numbers (SSNs), a.k.a. one of the most critical pieces of data assigned to you, have found their way onto the dark web. Millions of SSNs are floating around in cybercriminal circles due to breaches at major companies, government sites, and even healthcare providers. It’s alarming, but is it that big of a deal?

Spoiler alert: yes, it is. Here’s why a compromised SSN can wreak havoc on your life, how to check if yours has been leaked, and what to do if it has.

Is A Leaked Social Security Number Really That Serious?

Your Social Security number is a key piece of your identity, especially in the US. With just your SSN, a hacker can unlock a world of financial and personal information, allowing them to impersonate you, take out loans, and potentially access sensitive accounts. Even if you don’t see the immediate impact, criminals can hold on to SSNs for years, waiting for the right moment to strike.

What Can Happen If Someone Has Your Social Security Number?

Having your SSN in the wrong hands can lead to:

Identity Theft: Fraudsters can use your SSN to open credit accounts, take out loans or even file false tax returns in your name.

Employment Fraud: Someone could use your SSN to obtain a job, leaving you with unexpected tax issues.

Medical Fraud: Some criminals use stolen SSNs to receive health care under someone else’s name, leaving you with false medical records that can complicate future care.

Take the Equifax data breach back in 2017. This incident exposed the SSNs and personal information of 147 million people. Many of these victims faced issues ranging from fraudulent credit card applications to false tax returns, with some people still dealing with the fallout today. The Equifax case is a perfect example of how severe SSN exposure can be and proves it happens.

Signs Your Social Security Number Has Been Stolen

Are you worried your SSN might already be in use? Here are some red flags to watch for:

● Unexpected Mail: You receive credit card offers, debt collection notices, or bills for accounts you didn’t open.

● Credit Report Surprises: Your credit report shows accounts you don’t recognize or inquiries from unfamiliar sources.

● Tax Return Issues: The IRS notifies you of multiple tax returns filed under your name, or you’re denied a refund you were expecting.

● Health Care Records: You notice 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 experienced some of these red flags or you just want to check, here are a few ways to do so and ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim:

Monitor Your Credit Report

Start by checking your credit report for any unfamiliar accounts. You’re entitled to a free credit report annually from each central credit bureau (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax). Make it a habit to review these reports for signs of unusual activity.
Use An Identity Theft Protection Service

Services like Experian IdentityWorks or LifeLock can monitor your SSN and notify you if it’s being used suspiciously. While they can’t prevent identity theft, they can help you quickly catch and respond to issues.
Freeze Your Credit

Freezing your credit is one of the most effective ways to prevent fraud. A freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it much harder for someone to open accounts in your name. You can freeze and unfreeze your credit for free through the three major credit bureaus.
Sign Up For SSN Alerts

The Social Security Administration offers an option to set up alerts for certain types of activity, like changes to your Social Security account. While not comprehensive, it’s an extra layer of awareness that can help you catch fraud early.

What To Do Immediately If Your SSN Is Leaked

If you confirm that your SSN is compromised, it’s essential to take these actions right away:

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 recovery plan based on your situation.
Contact The Credit Bureaus
Notify the credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) that your SSN has been compromised. Place a fraud alert on your credit report to make lenders take extra steps to verify your identity before issuing credit.
Freeze Your Credit
If you haven’t already, freeze your credit report to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
File A Police Report
If the identity theft has led to financial loss or involves criminal activity, consider filing a report with your local police department. This can be helpful to documentation for resolving issues with creditors.
Notify Financial Institutions
Contact your bank and any other financial institutions you have accounts with to let them know your SSN has been compromised. They can place alerts on your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.

Protecting Your Business: Why Cybersecurity Matters

For small and medium-sized businesses, protecting Social Security numbers and other personally identifiable information is essential to business security. A compromised SSN can lead to various security risks, including identity theft for employees and clients, unauthorized access to financial accounts, and potential data breaches. Since businesses often store sensitive employee and client information, an SSN leak can expose individuals and companies to legal and financial risks and reputational damage.

Ensuring your business has a strong cybersecurity plan, including data encryption, network security, and employee education, is the best way 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 to schedule a FREE Security Risk Assessment and safeguard your business from costly cyber threats.

5. Adopt Unified Communications

Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) brings your e-mail phone, video conferencing and chat tools into one integrated platform. The result? Better collaboration, reduced miscommunication and significant time savings.

Pro Tip: Look for UCaaS solutions with built-in security and integration capabilities to ensure seamless adoption across your team.

Every business has unique needs, and IT upgrades are not a one-size-fits-all solution. While these suggestions provide a starting point, the best results come from building an optimized system tailored to your specific goals and challenges.

That’s where a FREE Network Assessment can make all the difference. By evaluating your current infrastructure, identifying inefficiencies and prioritizing your investments, you can make informed decisions that maximize your IT budget and create a system designed for efficiency and growth.

Ready to future-proof your business to scale up in 2025? Call us at 774-434-2346 or click here to schedule your FREE Network Assessment today and take the first step toward a smarter, more secure IT environment.

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