What Social Security fraud looks like and who targets it

Social Security fraud happens when someone uses your Social Security number without permission to commit identity theft, file a false tax return, open accounts in your name, or claim benefits they are not may have access to to. The person doing this may be a stranger, a scammer calling on the phone, a data broker who bought stolen information, or someone with access to your personal records.

Criminals target Social Security numbers because one number can unlock access to your bank accounts, credit history, tax filings, and government benefits. A stolen number costs you time and money to fix, and the damage can take months or years to fully repair. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not initiate contact by phone or email to threaten you or demand payment — if someone calls claiming to be from Social Security and asking for money or threatening arrest, that is a scam.

The most common fraud schemes involve someone filing taxes in your name before you do, opening credit cards or loans using your number, or claiming Social Security benefits they are not may have access to to. You may not notice until you try to file your own taxes, explore for credit, or receive a notice from the SSA about benefits you never requested.

Key Takeaways

  • The Social Security Administration will never call you unprompted, threaten you with arrest, or demand payment over the phone.
  • You can check your Social Security earnings record and see if anyone has reported wages under your number by creating a my Social Security account at ssa.gov.
  • If you suspect fraud, report it to the SSA's Office of Inspector General, the Federal Trade Commission, and your local police department in writing.
  • Freezing your credit with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) prevents someone from opening new accounts in your name.
  • Monitor your tax transcripts each year through IRS.gov to catch fraudulent tax filings before they are processed.

How to check if your Social Security number has been misused

The fastest way to check for fraud is to create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number or address on file with the SSA. Once you log in, you can view your earnings record, which shows all wages reported under your number each year. If you see wages from an employer you never worked for, that is a sign someone is using your number.

You should also check your credit report for accounts you did not open. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — once per year at annualcreditreport.com. Look for credit cards, loans, or other accounts listed under your name. If you find accounts you did not open, that is evidence of identity theft.

Another place to check is the IRS. You can view your tax transcript at irs.gov by logging into your IRS account or using the IRS transcript delivery system. Your transcript shows what income was reported to the IRS under your Social Security number. If you see a tax return filed in your name that you did not file, someone may have stolen your number to claim a refund.

What to do if you discover fraud

If you find evidence that your Social Security number has been misused, report it to three places: the Social Security Administration, the Federal Trade Commission, and your local police. Start with the SSA's Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov. You can file a report online or by phone at 1-800-269-0271. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and details of the fraud ready when you call.

Next, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov. The FTC does not investigate individual cases, but your report creates an official record and generates a recovery plan specific to your situation. The FTC will tell you what steps to take next based on the type of fraud.

File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You can do this in person or by phone, depending on your jurisdiction. Ask for a copy of the report number — you will need it when you contact banks, credit card companies, or the SSA to dispute fraudulent accounts or charges. Keep copies of all reports you file.

Freezing your credit to prevent new fraud

A credit freeze prevents anyone — including you — from opening new credit accounts using your Social Security number without your permission. When you freeze your credit, the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) will not release your credit report to lenders, which means no one can get a loan or credit card in your name.

To freeze your credit, contact each bureau separately. You can do this online, by phone, or by mail. Equifax's freeze line is 1-800-349-9960, Experian's is 1-888-397-3742, and TransUnion's is 1-888-909-8872. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number. The freeze is free and takes effect within one business day for online requests.

A freeze does not affect your existing accounts or your credit score. It only stops new accounts from being opened. If you need to explore for credit yourself, you can temporarily lift the freeze for a specific lender or for a set period of time. You can also unfreeze your credit entirely if you change your mind.

Protecting your Social Security number going forward

Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet or purse. Leave it at home in a safe place. You only need it when you start a new job, open a bank account, or explore for certain government benefits. Most of the time, businesses and government agencies already have your number on file and do not need to see the physical card.

Be cautious about who you give your number to. Your doctor's office, employer, and bank need it. Retailers, gyms, and subscription services usually do not — ask if they can use a different identifier instead. When you do provide your number, ask how it will be stored and who has access to it.

Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts, especially your bank, email, and any government portals. Enable two-factor authentication whenever it is offered. Shred documents that contain your Social Security number before throwing them away. Monitor your mail for unexpected bills, tax documents, or benefit notices. If you receive something you did not request, that may be a sign of fraud.

Recognizing and reporting Social Security scams

Scammers often call claiming to be from the Social Security Administration and threaten arrest, suspension of benefits, or legal action unless you pay money or provide personal information. These calls are always scams. The SSA will not call you out of the blue, will not threaten you, and will not ask for payment by phone, gift card, or wire transfer.

If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from Social Security, hang up when ready. Do not press any buttons, do not provide any information, and do not call the number the caller gave you. Instead, call the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 to report the call. You can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or by phone at 1-877-438-4338.

Scammers may also send emails or text messages claiming your Social Security number has been suspended or that you need to verify your account. These are phishing attempts designed to steal your login credentials or personal information. The SSA does not send unsolicited emails or texts. If you receive one, do not click any links or read any attachments. Delete it and report it to the SSA's Office of Inspector General.

What happens after you report fraud

After you file reports with the SSA, FTC, and police, the agencies will investigate separately. The SSA will review your earnings record and benefits account to see if anyone has claimed benefits in your name or reported false wages. If they find fraud, they will correct your record and notify you in writing.

If someone filed a tax return in your name, the IRS will contact you and may ask you to file an amended return or provide proof that you did not file the fraudulent return. This process can take several months. Keep copies of all correspondence and police reports in case you need to prove the fraud was not your doing.

If fraudulent accounts were opened in your name, you will need to contact each creditor separately to dispute the accounts. Provide them with copies of your police report and the FTC report. Ask them to close the accounts and remove them from your credit report. This can take weeks or months depending on the creditor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Social Security number if it has been compromised?

Yes, but the SSA only issues a new number in cases of documented fraud or harassment. You must visit your local Social Security office in person with proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and documentation of the fraud or harassment. A new number does not erase the old one from your credit history, so you will still need to dispute fraudulent accounts and monitor your credit.

What if I find a fraudulent account on my credit report?

Contact the creditor in writing and dispute the account. Send a letter explaining that you did not open the account and include a copy of your police report. The creditor must investigate within 30 days. Also file a dispute with the credit bureau that reported the account. The bureau must investigate and remove the account if it cannot be verified as legitimate.

How long does it take to recover from Social Security fraud?

Recovery depends on the type of fraud. A fraudulent tax return can be resolved in a few months once the IRS confirms you did not file it. Fraudulent credit accounts may take longer to dispute and remove from your credit report. Correcting your Social Security earnings record usually takes a few weeks once the SSA investigates.

Will fraud affect my Social Security benefits?

If someone claimed benefits in your name, the SSA will investigate and correct your account. Your benefits will not be reduced because of fraud committed by someone else. However, if wages were fraudulently reported under your number, it could affect your future benefit amount, so report it to the SSA right away so they can correct the record.

Is my information safe if I create a my Social Security account?

Yes. The my Social Security portal uses encryption and two-factor authentication to protect your information. Creating an account actually helps you monitor for fraud because you can check your earnings record and see if anyone has reported wages under your number. The account itself does not put you at risk.