Signs Your Social Security Number Has Been Stolen
Worried your SSN has been compromised? Watch for these red flags:
- Unexpected Mail: Credit card offers, debt collection notices, or bills for accounts you don’t recognize.
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- Credit Report Surprises: Unfamiliar accounts or inquiries showing up on your credit report.
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- Tax Return Issues: The IRS notifies you of multiple tax filings in your name or denies you an expected refund.
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- Health Care Discrepancies: Medical bills or records with treatments you didn’t receive.
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How to Check If Your SSN Has Been Leaked—And What You Can Do About It
If you suspect your SSN has been compromised or want to take proactive steps to protect it, here’s what to do:
Monitor Your Credit Report
Review your credit reports for suspicious activity. You’re entitled to one free credit report per year from each bureau—Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Regular monitoring helps you spot and address fraudulent accounts quickly.
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Use an Identity Theft Protection Service
Services like LifeLock or Experian IdentityWorks monitor your SSN and notify you of unusual activity. While they can’t prevent identity theft, they can help you respond faster if something goes wrong.
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Freeze Your Credit
A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it far harder for criminals to open new accounts in your name. It’s free to freeze and unfreeze your credit through all three major credit bureaus.
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Sign Up for SSN Alerts
The Social Security Administration offers notifications for certain account activity, providing an extra layer of awareness.
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What to Do Immediately If Your SSN Is Compromised
If you confirm that your Social Security number has been leaked, take action immediately:
- File a Report with the FTC: Visit IdentityTheft.gov to report the incident and follow a step-by-step recovery plan.
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- Contact Credit Bureaus: Place a fraud alert on your credit report to force lenders to verify your identity before issuing new credit.
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- Freeze Your Credit: If not already done, freeze your credit to block unauthorized access.
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- File a Police Report: If identity theft has led to financial loss or criminal activity, report it to your local authorities.
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- Notify Your Financial Institutions: Inform banks and credit card providers about the breach so they can monitor and protect your accounts.
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Protecting Your Business: Why Cybersecurity Matters
For NYC and Long Island small businesses, the stakes are even higher. Many businesses store sensitive Social Security numbers and other personal information for employees and clients. A single data breach can lead to:
Identity Theft: Exposing employee or client SSNs could cause financial loss and legal liabilities.
Legal and Financial Risks: Non-compliance with data protection regulations can result in heavy fines and reputational damage.
Operational Downtime: Responding to a data breach can interrupt business operations and erode customer trust.
To protect your business, implement strong cybersecurity measures such as data encryption, network security protocols, and regular employee training on data protection.
If your business handles sensitive information, now is the time to evaluate your cybersecurity strategy. Our team can help you identify vulnerabilities, secure your network, and ensure your business is prepared to prevent data breaches.
