What can a scammer do if they have my Social Security Number?
With your SSN a fraudster can open credit accounts, file false tax returns, claim government benefits, and gain employment in your name — the damage can take years to undo.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Your Social Security Number (SSN) is one of the most sensitive identifiers in the US system because it is permanent, cannot be easily changed, and is used as a verification key by financial institutions, employers, and government agencies. A scammer who has it — typically obtained through data breaches, tax document fraud, or phishing — can cause long-lasting damage across multiple domains.
Financial identity theft is the most common outcome: the fraudster applies for credit cards, personal loans, or mortgages using your SSN, name, and date of birth. They may not even need your current address — they can use their own. You won't know until the debt appears on your credit report or a collection agency contacts you.
Tax identity theft occurs when a fraudster files a tax return under your SSN before you do, claiming a refund. The IRS then rejects your legitimate return because one has already been filed. Medical identity theft involves using your SSN to receive healthcare services billed to your insurance, potentially corrupting your medical records. Employment identity theft means someone uses your SSN for work, which can create tax complications when the income appears under your number.
Place credit freezes with all three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) immediately. Sign up for an IRS Identity Protection PIN if you are in the US. File a report with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov. Unlike passwords, you cannot change your SSN except in extreme circumstances, so monitoring becomes a permanent responsibility.
Common red flags
- Unfamiliar accounts or inquiries appear on your credit report
- Tax return rejected because one was already filed under your SSN
- Medical Explanation of Benefits arrives for treatment you didn't receive
- W-2 forms arrive from employers you never worked for
- Government benefit claim denied because you're 'already enrolled'
- Debt collectors contact you about accounts you don't recognise
What to do now
- Freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion immediately — it's free
- File an identity theft report at IdentityTheft.gov and follow its personalised recovery plan
- Apply for an IRS Identity Protection PIN at irs.gov/ippin to protect your tax filings
- Review your Social Security earnings record at ssa.gov for employment you don't recognise
- Contact every institution where a fraudulent account was opened with your police/FTC report
- Monitor your credit report monthly for at least two years
- Alert your health insurer so it can flag and review any suspicious claims
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a new Social Security Number?
In theory yes, but the SSA only issues new numbers in extreme documented cases of ongoing harm. Your original number remains linked to your records, so a new number does not erase prior fraud.
If I freeze my credit, will it affect my ability to apply for credit myself?
You need to temporarily lift the freeze (usually done online in minutes) before applying for new credit. It is a minor inconvenience and worth it for the protection.