Your Social Security number (SSN) is more than a nine-digit code; it's an important part of your legal identity. Issued by the U.S. government, your SSN is used to track your lifetime earnings and eligibility for financial benefits in retirement. It's also used for identification purposes by employers, financial institutions and service providers nationwide.
Unfortunately, SSNs are particularly appealing to identity thieves, who can use the numbers along with other forms of identifiable information to claim their victims' Social Security benefits, open new bank accounts and credit cards, and commit tax fraud or other crimes. So, how do you know if your SSN is at risk, and what can you do to prevent it? Here are a few warning signs of Social Security fraud to look out for, along with tips to help you avoid becoming a victim.
How to protect your Social Security number
Use these helpful tips to safeguard your SSN from fraud:
Fraud – including Social Security fraud – can happen to anyone. While you can't always control the threat of having your Social Security number compromised, you can take steps to protect and monitor your information. That's why Wright-Patt Credit Union is here to help you protect your personal and financial information and avoid becoming a victim of fraud. We have the tips, tools, and resources you need to keep your money and information safe. For more fraud prevention tips, visit WPCU.coop/StopFraud.