The moment we get a Social Security number we can do a lot of things in the United States. And one of the most important things we can do with this document is to start getting retirement or disability benefits. But this number can also be used for other purposes.
It is possible to apply for certain loans or mortgages through this Social Security number. Likewise, all our personal information is linked to this number, so if it is leaked someone can impersonate our identity.
Last December 2023 a Social Security number leak took place. At that time, almost 3 million citizens had their SSA number leaked. For that reason, checking to see if it was leaked at that time is so important. If we have any doubt about it we should act as soon as possible.
Has my Social Security number been leaked?
To find out if there is a problem with your Social Security number you should go to the official website IdentityTheft.gov. Thanks to this website you will be able to access a retrieval of your SSA number. The more information you provide, the better, so prepare all the documentation you have to prove that your identity has been stolen.
Also, remember that there are actions to take to prevent your Social Security number from being stolen. In this case, keep in mind that:
- You should never give your Social Security number out loud.
- Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet.
- Memorize your Social Security number and leave the card in a safe place where no one can access it but you.
- Make sure there are no extra payments in your bank accounts.
- Also, don’t share your phone number or e-mail address with anyone untrustworthy.
- If possible, activate two-step authentication on the accounts you use.
Remember at all times that your Social Security number is really important. If it is lost or stolen, contact the Social Security Administration directly through the website provided.