Fortifying Your Identity: Locking Your Social Security Number

Building upon our October 2024 newsletter on credit report freezes, we delve into another potent safeguard against identity theft: Social Security number (SSN) locking.

Distinguishing SSN Locking from Credit Freezes:

While both measures are complimentary and free, they target distinct aspects of your financial security. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit reports, hindering potential lines of credit for imposters. Conversely, locking your SSN impedes electronic access to your Social Security record, making it significantly more challenging for identity thieves to misuse your number.

Implementation:

Three avenues exist for locking your SSN:

1. Contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA): Dial the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 7 PM local time). Opt for earlier mornings or later weekdays for shorter wait times. Upon successful identity verification, electronic access to your SSN is restricted.
2. E-Verify Account Creation: Establish an E-Verify account for online SSN locking and unlocking (https://www.e-verify.gov/employees/employee-self-services/mye-verify/self-lock). This self-lock feature remains active for one year, with automatic 30-day pre-expiration notifications and optional lock extensions.
3. Establish an Identity PIN: For enhanced defense against tax identity theft, consider establishing an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) with the IRS. This additional layer prevents fraudulent tax returns using your SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) (https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin).  

Potential Inconvenience:

The primary drawback of SSN locking mirrors that of credit freezes. Restricting access to your SSN record also applies to yourself. You'll need to unlock it for new employers verifying your work eligibility or when receiving government benefits. Additionally, a locked SSN might introduce a slight delay at hospitals while they confirm your identity using alternative means. However, with E-Verify, unlocking your SSN becomes a quick and straightforward process.

By implementing these safeguards, you significantly bolster your identity theft protection.