Summer should be stress-free, but identity theft can turn your plans upside down. Taking proactive steps to protect your SSN and financial data can give you peace of mind and safeguard your future Social Security benefits.
Highlights:
- Don’t carry your SSN card
- Avoid sharing personal info publicly
- Watch out for scams and fake calls
- Monitor your Social Security account
- Report any suspicious activity ASAP
Tips to Protecting Your Identity
Summer is a time to relax, travel, and enjoy time with family—but it’s also a season when identity theft spikes. With more online shopping, vacation bookings, and financial transactions happening during these months, scammers are on the lookout for opportunities to steal your Social Security number (SSN) or other personal details.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has shared some simple but powerful tips to help you protect your identity this summer—and all year round. Whether it’s preventing tax fraud, credit card scams, or fake government calls, taking a few precautions now can save you serious trouble later.
Why Summer Is a Hot Time for Scams
Many Americans don’t realize how easily identity theft can happen. It’s not just about someone stealing your credit card info—it can involve:
- Opening credit cards or utility accounts in your name
- Filing fake IRS tax refund claims
- Making fraudulent health insurance claims
- Even using your SSN to commit criminal fraud
In 2023 alone, over 1 million cases of identity theft were reported to the government. And experts believe the real number could be even higher.
Top Social Security Tips to Prevent Identity Theft
Here’s how you can keep your personal details safe:
- Don’t Carry Your Social Security Card: Unless you absolutely need it, leave your SSN card at home in a secure place. Carrying it in your wallet increases the risk of it getting stolen.
- Don’t Say Your SSN Out Loud in Public: If someone asks for your SSN, step aside or speak quietly. Never announce it where others can overhear and misuse it.
- Watch Out for Phishing Scams: Scammers send fake emails, texts, or calls pretending to be from the government or banks. Don’t click unknown links or give out personal info. No government agency will ask you for money, wire transfers, or gift cards.
- Set Up Your “my Social Security” Account:” If you haven’t already, create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. It’s the best way to:
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- Monitor your Social Security record
- Catch suspicious activity early
- Review your benefit statements safely
- Store Your Card in a Safe Place: Keep your physical SSN card in a locked drawer or safe where only you can access it.
- Don’t Trust Unsolicited Calls: If someone calls saying they’re from the SSA or IRS and asks for money or personal info, hang up. Always verify by calling official numbers directly.
- Shred Documents with Personal Info: Don’t just throw away documents with your name, SSN, or birthdate—shred them first to avoid dumpster-diving fraudsters.
- Check Your Bank Accounts Often: Make a habit of reviewing your bank and credit card transactions regularly to spot anything suspicious.
- Get Your Free Annual Credit Reports: Request one free report from each of the 3 major credit bureaus—Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian—every year. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to get yours.
- Use Antivirus & Complex Passwords: Install antivirus protection on your devices, and always use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts.
What If Your SSN Has Already Been Stolen?
If you suspect your Social Security Number has been compromised or misused, act fast:
- Report it immediately at IdentityTheft.gov
- You’ll receive a personalized recovery plan to help you regain control.
- You can also view all recommended steps before submitting your report.
Delaying action could lead to more damage, like drained bank accounts or ruined credit. The sooner you report, the better your chance of recovering.
Following these tips may not make you 100% scam-proof, but they will definitely make it much harder for identity thieves to succeed.
