In the current digital era, protecting your personal information is more important than ever. Sadly, con artists and swindlers are always coming up with new ways to acquire and abuse private information, including your Social Security number (SSN).
It’s critical to act right away to stop any further harm if someone gets your SSN. These are some precautions you may take to protect yourself and lessen the potential harm identity theft could bring.
Scammers frequently appear as Social Security agents in an effort to trick people into disclosing personal information, so be vigilant and aware of them. It’s crucial to be attentive and educate yourself on typical scams if you want to keep yourself safe.
On the official Social Security website, you will discover helpful advice on safeguarding yourself against Social Security fraud.
Report Identity Theft: It’s critical to file a police complaint as soon as you become aware that someone may have exploited your SSN to commit fraud. If you’ve been a victim of identity theft, register a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Prioritizing the Safety of the Social Security Number
The FTC gathers data and offers support to those whose identities have been stolen. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.ftc.gov/idtheft or call the FTC’s identity theft hotline at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). You can prevent identity theft by taking proactive measures to protect your personal information. Never carry your SSN around with you all the time, and never mention it out loud in public.
To deceive you into divulging personal information via emails, online links, or phone calls, be wary of phishing scams. It’s advisable to independently confirm a communication’s validity if you think it might be a scam before giving any personal information.
Consider creating a personal Social Security account, which can assist you in keeping an eye on your data and spotting any questionable activity. This account enables you to monitor your Social Security benefits and aids in the identification of any illegal alterations to your data. Incorporate Security Blocks: By including specified blocks, you can increase the security of your Social Security account.
Everyone, including you, is prohibited from reading or changing your personal information online by the eServices block. Unauthorized people cannot sign up for direct deposit or change your address or direct deposit information thanks to the Direct Deposit Fraud Prevention Block. Please take note that you must get in touch with your neighborhood Social Security office to remove these barriers or make future adjustments.
Source: Marca.com
