You gave a scammer your Social Security number: what to do next
Quick answer
Report it at IdentityTheft.gov to get a recovery plan, freeze your credit with the three credit bureaus, and report the scam to the FTC. Watch for a tax return filed in your name. Replacing a Social Security number is rare, so the goal is to catch and fix misuse early.
- Comes by
- Phone call, Text, Email
- Pretends to be
- Social Security Administration
- Last updated
How it works
Scammers ask for your Social Security number in many ways. A caller says they're from the Social Security Administration and your number is "suspended" or linked to a crime. A message says you've won something or need to "verify" an account. A fake employer or lender asks for it on a form.
With your number, name and date of birth they can open credit, file a tax return in your name or try to take over accounts. Giving the number doesn't mean it will be misused, but you should act as if it could be.
The FTC says to report at IdentityTheft.gov if you gave a scammer your Social Security number. The site builds a recovery plan and, if someone used your number to file taxes, can generate an IRS Identity Theft Affidavit.
Red flags
- A caller or message that says your Social Security number is suspended or linked to a crime
- A request to "verify" your number by phone, text or email
- Threats of arrest, or a demand for payment by gift card, wire or crypto
- A caller who says to keep it secret
- A link to a page that asks for your number to claim a prize or job
- A tax return you didn't file, or IRS letters about one
Example message
This is the Social Security Administration. Your Social Security number has been linked to suspicious activity and will be suspended. Press 1 or call [phone number] to verify your number and avoid legal action.
What to do
- 1
Report it at IdentityTheft.gov
The FTC says to report there, get a customised recovery plan and follow its steps. If you aren't sure it was misused, the site has a path for exposed numbers too.
- 2
Freeze your credit
Place a free freeze with each of the three credit bureaus so new accounts can't be opened in your name. Then check your credit reports.
- 3
Report the scam to the FTC
File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If it was a fake Social Security call, report it to the SSA's Office of the Inspector General too.
- 4
Check with SSA yourself
Don't use a number the caller gave you. Look up SSA's number on ssa.gov and ask whether the contact was real.
- 5
Lock down your Social Security account
SSA offers an eServices block and a Direct Deposit Fraud Prevention block. You'd need to visit a local office to lift them.
- 6
Secure other accounts
If you shared logins too, change those passwords and turn on two-factor authentication. Watch for tax return notices.
- 7
If you paid
Contact your bank or the payment company straight away and tell them it was fraud.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers rarely guess. Names, phone numbers, email addresses and home addresses are sold by data brokers, listed on people-search sites such as Spokeo, and leaked in breaches, which is how a message can reach you with your name already on it. Serus finds the brokers that list you and removes your listings, and alerts you when your details turn up in a breach, so fewer scammers can build a convincing message about you. If you've already shared details, our guide on what to do after a data breach covers the next steps.
More Social Security Administration scams
Frequently asked
Can I get a new Social Security number?
SSA says it may assign a new number only after you've done everything you can to fix the misuse and someone is still using the old one.
Does SSA call to say my number is suspended?
No. Per the FTC, SSA won't threaten you or demand payment by gift card, wire or crypto. Hang up.
How do I know if someone used my number?
Check your credit reports, watch for IRS letters about a tax return you didn't file, and report at IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
Should I freeze my credit?
The FTC points to checking, freezing and monitoring your credit as protective steps.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
