Guides / Identity and accounts
Protecting your Social Security number
Share it rarely, and lock down the accounts tied to it.
Your Social Security number is the key to opening credit and filing taxes in your name. You can't change it easily, so protecting it matters.
Everyday habits
- Don't carry your card in your wallet
- Ask why it's needed before you give it out, and whether another ID will do
- Never give it to someone who called or messaged you
- Shred documents that show it
Extra protection
- Create your own my Social Security account at ssa.gov before someone else does
- Get an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS to block fake tax returns
- Freeze your credit at all three bureaus
General educational information, not legal advice. Dime Wisdom isn't paid by any bank, security company or government agency.