What Is an SSN and Why Is It So Important?
Your Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued by the U.S. government, used primarily for tracking earnings and administering Social Security benefits. However, over time, the SSN has become a de facto identifier for almost all financial, legal, and personal activities. It’s used when you apply for jobs, open bank accounts, file taxes, and even to access government services.
Because it’s tied to so many aspects of your life, a stolen SSN is a powerful tool in the hands of a cybercriminal. What can people do with your SSN once they have it? Unfortunately, they can do a lot of damage, and it’s important to understand the potential risks.
What Can Someone Do with Your SSN?
Once a thief has your SSN, they have the ability to commit a variety of crimes that can cause significant financial and personal damage. Here are some of the most common ways criminals can exploit your SSN:
1. Open Credit Accounts in Your Name
With your SSN, someone can open new credit accounts, such as credit cards, loans, and even mortgages. Since your SSN is often the only piece of information needed to open these accounts, thieves can run up substantial amounts of debt in your name. This can lead to a damaged credit score, making it difficult for you to get approved for loans, credit cards, or even housing in the future.
2. File False Tax Returns
Tax fraud is another common crime committed with a stolen SSN. Criminals can file a fake tax return using your personal details, including your SSN, and claim a refund. This is especially harmful because it can delay your legitimate tax return, and you may not realize your SSN has been compromised until it’s too late.
3. Apply for Government Benefits
In some cases, thieves use stolen SSNs to apply for government benefits like Social Security, unemployment, or welfare. If the criminal successfully applies, they may receive benefits in your name, which can cause delays or even a loss of your eligibility for certain programs.
4. Commit Medical Fraud
Healthcare fraud is an increasingly common way criminals use stolen SSNs. A thief could use your SSN to receive medical services, prescriptions, or insurance benefits in your name. This can lead to complications with your medical records and potentially even dangerous consequences if the fraud is not discovered quickly.
5. Steal Your Identity for Illegal Activities
Identity theft often leads to a host of illegal activities that can be difficult to trace. Criminals can use your SSN to pose as you, commit crimes, or even open bank accounts to launder money. If your identity is used in illegal activities, it may take years to resolve the issue and clear your name.
How to Protect Your SSN and Prevent Identity Theft
Now that you know what can people do with your SSN, let’s discuss how to protect it and avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. Here are some practical steps you can take:
1. Keep Your SSN Card in a Safe Place
The first step in protecting your SSN is to keep your physical SSN card in a secure location. It’s important not to carry it in your wallet or purse unless absolutely necessary.
2. Limit Sharing of Your SSN
Only provide your SSN when absolutely required. For most transactions, your SSN is not needed, and you can often opt-out of sharing it. Be cautious when sharing it over the phone, by email, or online.
3. Monitor Your Credit Regularly
Check your credit report regularly for any unusual activity, such as new credit accounts opened in your name. You can request a free credit report annually from all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Consider using credit monitoring services to track changes and get alerts if there’s suspicious activity.
4. Freeze Your Credit
One of the most effective ways to prevent fraud is to freeze your credit with the three major credit bureaus. A credit freeze prevents anyone from accessing your credit report, making it nearly impossible for criminals to open new accounts in your name.
5. Use Strong Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication
While your SSN is essential for identity verification, criminals can also gain access to other personal information through weak passwords. Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible to add an extra layer of security.
6. Shred Documents Containing Personal Information
If you have documents that contain your SSN, such as old tax returns or medical records, make sure to shred them before disposing of them. This will prevent anyone from obtaining your personal information from physical documents.
7. Use a VPN to Protect Your Online Data
When browsing the internet, especially on public Wi-Fi networks, your personal data can be vulnerable to hackers. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your online traffic, preventing hackers from intercepting your sensitive information. This is especially important if you’re accessing financial accounts or submitting personal information online.
UFO VPN offers advanced encryption and strong security protocols to keep your online activity safe, ensuring that your SSN and other personal details remain protected while you browse, shop, and bank online.
How Best free VPN Helps Protect Your Identity
While taking steps to secure your SSN is important, protecting your online data is just as essential. Here’s how UFO VPN enhances your security and helps safeguard your SSN from cybercriminals:
1. Encrypted Internet Connection
UFO VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it impossible for hackers to access your sensitive data, including your SSN, when you're browsing online. This is especially crucial when using public Wi-Fi, where your data is more vulnerable to attacks.
2. Bypass Geo-Restrictions
If you're traveling abroad or using a network with geo-restricted content, UFO VPN allows you to connect to servers in different countries, ensuring access to blocked websites and services while protecting your data.
3. Masking Your IP Address
UFO VPN masks your real IP address, making it harder for websites or malicious parties to track your online activities or steal your personal information. This adds an extra layer of anonymity to your browsing, ensuring that even if your SSN is compromised, it’s difficult for criminals to trace back to you.
4. No-Logs Policy
UFO VPN follows a strict no-logs policy, meaning that your online activity, including your browsing history and personal data, is never stored. This provides peace of mind, knowing that even your VPN provider won’t have access to your sensitive information.
How to safely download UFO VPN
With 3000+ server in over 100 countries, UFO VPN is open to download as a free iPhone VPN, free Android VPN(with VPN APK), free Windows VPN and free Mac VPN. Install the app and sign up or log in.
Open the app, choose a free server locationwhere your desired streaming/gaming/browsing platform is available.
We recommend free USA VPN, free UK VPN and free Australia VPN.
Pro Tip
UFO VPN is compatible with popular platforms in gaming and streaming as CODM VPN, PUBG VPN, Netflix VPN and more!
After connecting, visit What is My IP tool to see your current location and ensure your real IP is visible.
With all set, visit your favorite platform and start browsing without geo-blocks or buffering!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What can someone do with my SSN if it’s stolen?
With your SSN, criminals can open credit accounts, file false tax returns, apply for government benefits, or commit medical fraud. It’s essential to protect your SSN to prevent these activities.
Q2: How can I protect my SSN from being stolen?
Keep your SSN card in a safe place, limit sharing it, monitor your credit regularly, and freeze your credit to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication for online accounts.
Q3: Can a VPN help protect my SSN?
Yes, using a VPN like UFO VPN encrypts your online traffic, ensuring that your SSN and other sensitive information remain safe from hackers when browsing the web.
Q4: What should I do if I think my SSN has been compromised?
If you suspect your SSN has been stolen, contact the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert, review your credit report, and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Consider freezing your credit to prevent further misuse.
Q5: Is using a VPN legal?
Yes, using a VPN is legal in most countries. However, always check the local laws in your region to ensure compliance.
Conclusion
Your SSN is a critical piece of your personal identity, and if it’s stolen, the consequences can be severe. From opening fraudulent credit accounts to committing identity theft, criminals can use your SSN to do significant harm. By taking steps to protect your SSN and using tools like UFO VPN, you can reduce your risk and maintain a higher level of privacy and security. Don’t wait until it’s too late—start protecting your identity today with UFO VPN.
