How do I lock my Social Security number for credit?
If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).
You can lock your Social Security number—sometimes referred to as freezing your SSN—in a couple of ways. The easiest way to lock your SSN is by calling the Social Security Administration to block electronic access. Or, you can apply a Self Lock on E-Verify to stop anyone from using your SSN to apply for a job.
There is NO COST to place or lift a security freeze. For more information, see detailed instructions entitled “Placing a Security Freeze on Your Credit Report to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft” below. 5. Review your credit reports carefully.
- Equifax – Online Form.
- Experian – Online Form.
- TransUnion – Online Form. (Note: the links above will take you to the websites for the three credit bureaus. These sites are separate from www.ncdoj.gov.)
Yes. You can add or remove a fraud alert at any time for free on the TransUnion Service Center. We'll also notify Experian and Equifax so they can add an alert to the report they have for you.
Identity Theft: If you think an identity thief is using your SSN to work or to collect benefits, call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. If you think someone may be using your SSN to work, check your Social Security Personal Earnings and Benefit Statement.
Each credit bureau offers multiple methods for placing a credit lock: Online: This is typically the fastest and most convenient option. You'll need to create an account or log into your existing account with each bureau. Phone: You can call their customer service line to request a credit lock.
Anyone with an SSN or an ITIN can get an IP PIN including individuals living abroad.
Should you get a new SSN? If you've done all you can to fix the problems resulting from misuse of your SSN, and someone is still using your number, we may assign you a new number. You can't get a new SSN: If your SSN card is lost or stolen, but there's no evidence that someone is using your number.
The downside of locking your SSN
When you block access to your SSN records, you also restrict access to it from yourself. This means you'll have to go through the hassle of unlocking it whenever you need a new employer to verify your eligibility to work in the US or you want to receive government benefits.
How do I lock my Social Security number Equifax?
- Online, by creating a myEquifax account. You can check the status of your security freeze through your myEquifax account as well.
- By phone. Call us at (888) 298-0045. ...
- By mail.
Credit freezes effectively prevent new accounts from being created. But that does lead to the first of four downsides: A credit freeze doesn't help protect against fraud aimed at your existing accounts.
If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).
Lenders can't pull your credit file when it's frozen, so they're unlikely to approve credit applications. You can also freeze your child's credit to help stop someone from using their SSN to take out loans and credit cards. Placing a freeze is free and doesn't affect your credit score.
- Never list an SSN when posting a paper record on a public bulletin board.
- Never send SSNs via an electronic format.
- Never have a computer log-in system where a person has to use their SSN.
- Never use SSNs on ID cards.
- Never send SSNs on postcards.
- Never store SSNs on unprotected computer systems.
That's why you should freeze your credit files: It's a free and easy way to protect yourself from identity theft and to keep hackers and scammers out of your bank account. And while this latest breach isn't an urgent concern, big security scares like this tend to attract scammers who prey on the anxious.
Keep in mind that you're not able to "freeze" your SSN, meaning that it can't be used at all. Locking your SSN won't prevent new credit applications. If you want to safeguard against someone else opening credit in your name, you have the right to freeze your credit report with each credit bureau.
Social Security Number Services are Always Free.
Our rating: False
People who attempt to make payments using this method could have their payment rejected and also face fees and other penalties. The numbers on Social Security cards contain information about the card itself and are not linked to bank accounts.
Click the toggle button to the right of Experian CreditLock. The button will turn blue indicating that the lock has been placed.
How much does it cost to lock your credit?
What are the security freeze fees? Placing, temporarily lifting and permanently removing a security freeze on your credit reports is free.
While freezing your credit offers a robust layer of security, it's not a surefire way to protect against fraud. And it's not the only step you should take to safeguard your credit. LifeLock Ultimate Plus provides an arsenal of identity theft protection services like extensive credit monitoring and fraud alerts.
- Into an existing bank account via Direct Deposit or.
- Onto a Direct Express® Debit Mastercard®
We ranked Aura as one of the best credit protection services because every plan includes three-bureau credit monitoring. LifeLock only includes one-bureau on its Standard plan, and Identity Guard doesn't include any credit or debit monitoring on its lowest subscription.
However, you should never send your SSN by email. While it may seem convenient, sending your SSN through email exposes you to risks like identity theft and tax fraud if it falls into the wrong hands. The safest way to send your SSN is by using a password manager like Trustworthy.
