What to Do If Your Social Security Number Was Stolen in a Massive Data Breach

If your Social Security number (SSN) has been stolen in a data breach like the one reportedly involving 2.9 billion records, it’s crucial to take immediate steps to protect your identity and financial information. Here’s what you should do:

1. File a Report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

• Visit the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov to report the theft and create a personal recovery plan.
• The website will guide you through steps like placing a fraud alert on your credit reports, freezing your credit, and creating an Identity Theft Report, which can help you dispute fraudulent accounts.

2. Monitor Your Credit Reports

• Request free copies of your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Regularly check for any suspicious activity or accounts you don’t recognize.

3. Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze

• Fraud Alert: Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert, which makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.
• Credit Freeze: Consider freezing your credit, which prevents creditors from accessing your credit report entirely without your permission.

4. Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

• Notify the IRS if you believe your SSN may be used for tax fraud. This helps prevent someone from filing a tax return in your name. You can do this by filling out the IRS Identity Theft Affidavit (Form 14039).

5. Watch Out for Phishing Scams

• Be extra cautious with emails, phone calls, or messages asking for personal information. Scammers may try to exploit the breach by pretending to be from legitimate organizations.

6. Review Your Social Security Earnings Record

• Check your Social Security Statement regularly to ensure that your earnings record is accurate and that no one is using your SSN for employment.

7. File a Police Report

• If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, file a police report. Having an official report can help you dispute fraudulent accounts and charges.

8. Consider Identity Theft Protection Services

• Some people opt to use identity theft protection services that offer monitoring and alerting for suspicious activities. These services can provide an added layer of security.

Taking these steps can help you regain control and minimize the damage from having your Social Security number stolen.