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

By now, many people's Social Security numbers (SSNs)—one of the most critical pieces of personal data—have likely made their way onto the dark web. Major breaches at corporations, government websites, and healthcare providers have resulted in millions of SSNs circulating among cybercriminals. This is indeed concerning, and it is a significant issue. Here's why a compromised SSN can cause substantial disruption in your life, how to determine if yours has been exposed, and what steps to take if it has.

Is a Leaked Social Security Number a Serious Concern?

In the U.S., your Social Security number is a crucial part of your identity. With access to your SSN, a hacker can obtain a wealth of financial and personal information, impersonate you, secure loans, and potentially access sensitive accounts. Even if you don't notice immediate effects, criminals can retain SSNs for years, waiting for the perfect opportunity to exploit them.

Consequences of Someone Having Your Social Security Number

If your SSN falls into the wrong hands, it can lead to:

• Identity Theft: Criminals can use your SSN to open credit accounts, secure loans, or file fraudulent tax returns in your name.
• Employment Fraud: Someone might use your SSN to get a job, which could result in unexpected tax complications for you.
• Medical Fraud: Some criminals use stolen SSNs to receive healthcare under another person's name, creating false medical records that can complicate future care.

Consider the Equifax data breach in 2017, which exposed the SSNs and personal information of 147 million individuals. Many of these victims faced issues like fraudulent credit card applications and false tax returns, with some still dealing with the repercussions today. The Equifax incident exemplifies the severity of SSN exposure and proves that it does occur.

Indicators That Your Social Security Number Has 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: Discovering accounts you don't recognize or inquiries from unknown sources on your credit report.
• Tax Return Problems: Notification from the IRS about multiple tax returns filed under your name or denial of an expected refund.
• Healthcare Record Discrepancies: Unfamiliar medical bills or unusual 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 simply want to verify, here are some ways to check and protect yourself from becoming a victim:

• Monitor Your Credit Report: Regularly check your credit report for unfamiliar accounts. You can obtain a free annual credit report from each of the major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax). Make it a routine to review these reports for any unusual activity.
• Use an Identity Theft Protection Service: Services like Experian IdentityWorks or LifeLock can monitor your SSN and alert you if it's used suspiciously. While these services can't prevent identity theft, they can help you quickly identify and respond to 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 someone to open accounts in your name. You can freeze and unfreeze your credit for free through each of the three major credit bureaus.
• Sign Up for SSN Alerts: The Social Security Administration offers alerts for certain activities, such as changes to your Social Security account. While not comprehensive, this is an additional layer of awareness that can help detect fraud early.

Immediate Steps to Take if Your SSN Is Leaked

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

• File a Report with the FTC: Visit IdentityTheft.gov to report the issue to the Federal Trade Commission. This site will guide you through a recovery plan tailored to your situation.
• Contact the Credit Bureaus: Inform Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion that your SSN has been compromised. Place a fraud alert on your credit report to ensure lenders take extra steps to verify your identity before issuing credit.
• Freeze Your Credit: If not already done, place a freeze on your credit report to prevent the opening of new accounts in your name.
• File a Police Report: If the identity theft has resulted 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 place alerts on your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.

The Importance of Cybersecurity for Businesses

For small and medium-sized businesses, safeguarding Social Security numbers and other personal information is crucial to maintaining security. 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 and financial risks, as well as damage to their reputation.

Implementing a robust cybersecurity strategy, 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 or give us a call at 802-331-1900 to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call and safeguard your business from costly cyberthreats.