The recent data breach at the credit reporting firm, Equifax, resulted in millions of Social Security numbers being compromised. There are reports of 200,000 in South Dakota alone. If you are unsure if you were affected by this misfortune, you can verify by visiting http://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com.
As consumers it is important to be vigilant, now more than ever, in safeguarding personal information, of which one of the most powerful is your Social Security number. Here are seven ways to help keep your Social Security information secure.
1. CREATE A MY SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT
Workers age 18 and older are eligible to create a My Social Security Account and get a personalized estimate of future Social Security payments. Establishing a My Social Security Account allows you to check the accuracy of your earnings and correct errors, to receive the maximum possible benefit you quality for. The Social Security Administration points out creating an account at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ prevents someone else from using your Social Security number to set up an account in your name and gain access to your benefit and earning information.
2. SET UP TWO FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
You can further protect your Social Security account by setting up two–factor authentication. This means, in addition to a username and password, you use a second method of identification, such as a code sent to your cellphone or email address. The Social Security Administration says using two methods of identification each time you log in better protects your account from unauthorized use and identity fraud.
3. BLOCK ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT
If you don’t want to use a Social Security online account, consider blocking electronic access so that no one else can set up on account using your compromised Social Security number. You can stop all electronic and automated telephone access to your Social Security information. If you later change your mind about interacting with the Social Security Administration remotely, you can unblock your account.
4. NEW MEDICARE CARDS COMING SOON
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will begin mailing out Medicare cards without Social Security numbers printed on them beginning in April 2018 and hopes to replace all cards within a year after that. Instead, the new cards will contain a unique combination of number and letters. The change is intended to prevent fraud, combat identity theft and safeguard taxpayer dollars.
5. DON’T GIVE OUT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER IN UNSOLICITED CALLS OR EMAILS
There are reports of telephone calls from people pretending to be representatives from the IRS, Social Security Administration or your financial institution who need to confirm your Social Security number. Remember, these organizations already have your information and none of them is likely to reach out to you requesting your number.
6. SHRED DOCUMENTS WITH YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
If you receive financial statements or other documents containing your Social Security number, lock them away in a safe place or shred them if you don’t need them. And don’t forget your actual Social Security card. Having it in your possession is convenient, but it is much safer if it is placed in a secure place until you need it.
7. KNOW WHO REALLY NEEDS YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
There are several organizations that require your Social Security number, including your employer, the IRS and financial institutions. But there are many other organizations that might ask for your Social Security number, but don’t really need it. It is prudent to provide your number only when it is truly needed and don’t be afraid to ask if you question why it is being requested.
