Finance

Goodbye to Social Security scams: this is the easiest way to lock your SS number for free

Protecting your Social Security number is simpler than you might think – if you know where to look.

Sports-lover turned journalist, born and bred in Scotland, with a passion for football (soccer). He’s also a keen follower of NFL, NBA, golf and tennis, among others, and always has an eye on the latest in science, tech and current affairs. As Managing Editor at AS USA, uses background in operations and marketing to drive improvements for reader satisfaction.

Update: Mar 7th, 2025 12:47 EST

Your Social Security number is one of the most valuable things you own – and unfortunately, it’s also one of the easiest for scammers to exploit. From fake job applications to fraudulent tax returns, once someone gets hold of your SSN, they can do serious financial damage.

The risks aren’t just theoretical. After the Donald Trump administration created the Department of Government Efficiency – led, strangely enough, by Elon Musk – the agency was given access to Treasury Department systems, including Social Security payment data. No one’s explained why, but when it comes to your personal data, waiting for answers is never a winning strategy.

Be aware of scamming tactics and know what to do

If you’ve heard of freezing your credit, you might assume that protects your Social Security number. It doesn’t. A credit freeze only stops new credit accounts from being opened in your name. It does nothing to stop someone from using your SSN for tax fraud, employment scams, or other identity theft schemes.

Most Social Security scams follow the same basic script – a call, text, or email claiming to be from the Social Security Administration or a potential employer. They’ll say there’s a problem with your record, or they need to verify your number. The goal is always the same: get your SSN and use it for fraud.

If someone contacts you asking for your Social Security number, assume it’s a scam. The SSA doesn’t cold-call people to demand information or threaten arrests. As the official site says:

We will NEVER:

Text or email images of an employee’s official government identification.
Suspend your Social Security number.
Threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee.
Require payment by retail gift card, wire transfer, internet currency, or cash by mail.
Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
Mail or email “official” letters or reports containing your personal information.

The easiest way to lock your Social Security number for free

There’s no official way to “freeze” your Social Security number, but there is a free tool that blocks anyone – including scammers – from using it to pass employment background checks.

It’s called E-Verify Self Lock, and it works through the government’s myE-Verify system. Employers use E-Verify to confirm new hires are eligible to work in the US. When you Self Lock your number, no one – including identity thieves – can use your SSN to get a job.

The lock stays in place until you remove it, and you can unlock it yourself any time you’re applying for a legitimate job.

Other quick steps to protect your Social Security number

Create a my Social Security account so no one else can make one in your name.
Ask questions when someone requests your SSN – if they can’t give a solid reason, don’t hand it over.
Check your credit reports regularly for accounts you don’t recognize – you can get free weekly reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Keep your Social Security card at home, not in your wallet.
Freeze your credit to block new accounts from being opened in your name.

What should I do if my Social Security number is already compromised?

If your SSN has already been stolen, the authorities suggest taking these steps immediately:

Freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Report identity theft to the FTC at identitytheft.gov.
Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN to stop fraudulent tax filings.
Replace your Social Security card if it’s lost or stolen.

Be careful out there...

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