The top cyber threats facing the manufacturing industry are ransomware, supply chain attacks, insider threats, phishing and social engineering attacks. In 2023, the manufacturing sector accounted
To find out if someone else is using your Social Security number (SSN), you should check your credit reports, review your mySocialSecurity account and be cautious of calls from debt collectors. The idea of a stranger having such sensitive information about your identity can be terrifying. You may even be a victim of the recent data breach in which over 2.9 billion pieces of personal data were stolen from National Public Data. If your SSN has been compromised and you are worried about it being used by a cybercriminal, there are several things you can do to protect your identity.
Continue reading to learn several ways you can determine if someone else is using your SSN and what to do if you realize your SSN is being misused.

1. Check your credit reports
You should check your credit report right away if you suspect someone else is using your SSN to determine if any loans have been taken out in your name. Examine your credit reports to see if there are any new accounts created, unfamiliar charges or unauthorized payments. Since your SSN is required to open new lines of credit or file for a loan, it’s important to keep a close eye on your credit reports for any unusual activity.
2. Review your mySocialSecurity account
If you don’t already have a mySocialSecurity account, you should create one and review it to check for any strange activity with your SSN. On your mySocialSecurity account, you will see any benefits if you’ve applied for them and other helpful information related to your SSN. Even if you don’t have any Social Security benefits, your account will confirm this. Sign in to your mySocialSecurity account and review your statements for changes in activity or benefits. You should check your personal information on your account to make sure it is correct, such as your full name, email address and home address. If you aren’t receiving any benefits but your account states you are, someone could be using your SSN to commit identity theft and receive your benefits.
3. Go through your junk mail
Although you may be inclined to throw out any unnecessary mail, you should actually look through your junk mail because it could include bills for accounts that cybercriminals have created in your name. If you receive any notices from the IRS or other government agencies in the mail and you haven’t contacted them, this could be a sign that someone has stolen your identity. When you receive junk mail from unfamiliar companies, look closely to determine if someone has created a new account in your name without your knowledge.
4. Be wary of calls from debt collectors
Receiving calls from debt collectors about unfamiliar past-due payments could indicate that someone is using your SSN. If you know you don’t have any debt and you receive these types of calls, it is a serious sign that your SSN has been stolen and your identity is being used. Some calls from debt collectors may be legitimate if you have debts to pay off, but be cautious that other calls may come from scammers seeking personal information. Never share your SSN or other private information over the phone when you receive an unsolicited call, as a scammer could use this information to commit identity theft.
5. Review your bank statements
Regularly review your bank statements to make identifying any discrepancies easier. If you closely monitor your bank statements, you will recognize any unauthorized transactions, withdrawals or transfers and can report them immediately. In some instances, scammers might use your SSN and other personal information to gain access to your bank accounts. A scammer might turn to the dark web to obtain more of your private information, making the identity theft seem more legitimate to your bank, and their use of your SSN could lead to them committing fraud in your name.
What to do if someone is using your SSN
If you realize that someone else is using your SSN, there are several things you should do immediately to protect your identity.
Freeze your credit reports
A credit freeze is crucial for preventing someone from opening new lines of credit or applying for loans in your name. By placing a freeze on your credit reports, you stop creditors from accessing your credit report and approving any new loans or credit lines. You should place a freeze on your credit reports if you know someone else has your SSN, as it protects you from becoming a victim of identity theft or fraud. To place a credit freeze, contact each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax.
Lock your SSN
Your SSN should be locked to stop anyone from stealing your identity and using your SSN to commit fraud. Luckily, there are two easy ways to lock your SSN: contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) or lock it yourself using your E-Verify account. Locking your SSN means that no one, including you, can change or access your Social Security record, so someone who stole your SSN cannot access any personal details associated with your SSN. If you choose to contact the SSA to block electronic access, make sure you have additional proof of identity, such as your driver’s license or passport, to verify that you are the rightful owner of your SSN.
File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as soon as possible if someone else is using your SSN. Reporting your stolen SSN to the FTC will prompt them to collaborate with law enforcement to investigate your case of identity theft. After reporting as much information as you have about your SSN being stolen or misused, the FTC will provide you with personalized steps to move forward based on your situation. Your report will then be forwarded to law enforcement, who will assist you going forward.
Apply for an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
You should apply for an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) to provide your SSN with additional protection. An IP PIN is a six-digit number that stops anyone besides you from filing tax returns using your SSN. You can apply for an IP PIN through your online IRS account, and if you’ve been confirmed as a victim of identity theft, you will receive a new IP PIN each year to keep your personal information and taxes secure.
Change your passwords
For any online account associated with your SSN, such as your bank account, you should change your password immediately. Updating passwords for accounts that may be compromised or have been displaying unusual activity is an easy way to protect your sensitive information. You can efficiently change all your passwords by using a password manager like Keeper®. Once all your passwords are in a secure, encrypted vault, you can click on any login credentials you want to update and generate new passwords for all your accounts. Keeper Password Manager features a built-in password generator that simplifies the process by creating new, random passwords that are automatically stored in your digital vault.
Notify relevant parties
Make sure to let relevant parties know that your SSN is being used by someone else, so they do not approve any fraudulent activity and can verify the identity of whoever is using your SSN. For example, if you’ve been receiving calls from debt collectors, inform them that you are a victim of identity theft and that any debt they see is fraudulent. Reach out to your financial institutions, specifically their fraud departments, where fraudulent activity has occurred. They will most likely ask for more information and work to reverse the charges if possible. Remember to notify any relevant parties as soon as you realize your SSN is being used without your knowledge to increase the chances of resolving any fraudulent charges or activity.
Sign up for a credit monitoring service
A credit monitoring service will alert you to any changes in your credit report and any suspicious or fraudulent activity. Signing up for a credit monitoring service can protect your credit score from dropping due to someone else committing fraud with your SSN. This service also helps identify unusual activity, such as missed payments or new lines of credit. Some credit card companies offer this as a free feature when you have an account with them, so contact your credit card company to learn more about any credit monitoring services they offer.
Protect your SSN from identity thieves
Since your SSN is one of the most important pieces of information relating to your identity, it is crucial to protect it from anyone with malicious intentions. If you learn that someone else has been using your SSN to commit fraud or identity theft, you need to freeze your credit, lock your SSN and change your passwords immediately. A convenient way to change all your passwords and store them in a safe location is by using Keeper Password Manager.
Start using Keeper Password Manager today with a free 30-day trial and experience the ease of updating your passwords to strong, unique ones that will protect your online accounts and identity.