Someone Used My SSN — What to Do Right Now

If someone used your Social Security number, you need to act fast. Every hour you wait gives the thief more time to open accounts, file tax returns, or rack up debt in your name. Here is exactly what to do, in order.

Last updated March 10, 2026

> What to do

  1. 1

    Freeze your credit at all three bureaus

    A credit freeze blocks anyone from opening new accounts in your name. It is free and takes about 10 minutes per bureau. Do all three — creditors check different bureaus.

    AnnualCreditReport.com →
  2. 2

    File an identity theft report at IdentityTheft.gov

    This creates an official FTC identity theft report and generates a personalized recovery plan. You will need this report to dispute fraudulent accounts and file a police report.

    IdentityTheft.gov →
  3. 3

    Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN

    An IP PIN prevents anyone from filing a tax return with your SSN. Without it, a thief can file a fake return and steal your refund before you even file.

    IRS IP PIN page →
  4. 4

    File a police report

    Use your FTC identity theft report to file with local police. Some creditors require a police report before they will remove fraudulent accounts. Keep the report number.

  5. 5

    Check your Social Security statement

    Look for wages reported by employers you do not recognize. This means someone is using your SSN for employment. Report discrepancies to the SSA.

    my Social Security account →
  6. 6

    Set up fraud alerts on your bank accounts

    Call your bank and credit card companies. Set up transaction alerts for any purchase over $1. Review recent statements for charges you do not recognize.

> How SSNs get stolen

Most SSN theft traces back to data breaches. The 2024 National Public Data breach alone exposed 2.9 billion records including SSNs. Breaches at healthcare companies, background check services, and government agencies have collectively leaked the SSN of nearly every American adult. Once your SSN is in one criminal database, it gets sold, traded, and compiled into larger collections. The number never changes, so the risk never goes away.

> SCAN_NOW

Check if your SSN was exposed in a data breach

Scan your email to see which breaches included your Social Security number, passwords, and other personal data.

* At least one email required (max 3).

Zero-Storage Promise

We don't store your data. Your information is processed in real-time and immediately discarded. You're the customer, not the product.

//public sources | accuracy not guaranteed | informational only

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a new Social Security number?▼
The SSA rarely issues new numbers and only in extreme cases. A new number also creates problems — your credit history does not transfer. Freezing credit and monitoring is more effective.
How long does identity theft recovery take?▼
Most cases take 3 to 6 months to resolve. Complex cases involving tax fraud or criminal identity theft can take over a year.
Should I pay for identity theft protection?▼
Credit monitoring helps but a credit freeze is free and more effective. Start with the free steps first.
Scan Your Email Now
< Back to all guides