How to know if someone is using your SSN: The ways to check and protect yourself

8 signs someone might be using your Social Security number

If someone gains access to your Social Security number (SSN), the consequences of what they can do with your SSN can spread through nearly every aspect of your financial life. Sometimes you won’t realize it has happened until the damage is already done. However, if you know what to look for, subtle signs can signal that something is wrong and you can take action to protect your identity and prevent long-term financial headaches. Below are the main warning signs to watch for so you can stay one step ahead.

1. Your credit report shows accounts you don’t recognize

When thieves get their hands on your SSN, they often exploit it by opening bank accounts or obtaining credit cards. Every time a lender checks your credit history for a loan application, that inquiry leaves a trace. Even if no loans get approved, you’ll still see evidence that someone tried to apply for credit under your name.

If you notice unfamiliar inquiries or new accounts you didn’t open, it can be a sign that someone is actively using your SSN to apply for credit. A sudden drop in your credit score without explanation is another red flag. To catch these signs early, make it a habit to regularly monitor your credit accounts.

2. You notice unexpected bank transactions or credit card charges

Identity thieves often exploit stolen SSNs to gain access to existing bank accounts. If you spot withdrawals, transfers, or charges you don’t recognize, it could mean that someone’s tapping into your money. Sometimes thieves start with small, seemingly insignificant transactions as a test run to see if anyone notices before they go big. Staying on top of your bank statements can help you catch these warning signs early and shut down the fraud before it escalates.

3. Your tax return is rejected because of a duplicate filing

Another red flag indicating that somebody else might have your SSN is trouble filing your tax return. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) only accepts one tax return per SSN. If you submit your annual tax filing only to have the IRS reject it because it’s already received a return under your name, chances are high that an identity thief has filed it first.

4. Your Social Security statement lists employers you’ve never worked for

When you review your Social Security statement, make sure the employment history matches your actual jobs. Seeing unknown employers could mean someone could be using your SSN to commit identity theft and work illegally. This type of fraud can lead to tax complications or even legal issues and affect your future Social Security benefits. If you see employers or income sources you don’t recognize, contact the IRS immediately and file a report for tax fraud.

5. You receive calls from debt collectors about loans you didn’t take out

If you receive calls or letters from debt collectors asking about debts you’re unaware of, it might mean that someone is using your identity to rack up financial obligations in your name. Criminals may use your SSN to take out loans or make large purchases under your identity, leaving you to deal with collection agencies demanding payment. 

Such calls could also be scams where fraudsters pose as debt collectors to pressure you into paying a debt that doesn’t exist. These scammers often use aggressive tactics, such as threats of legal action or immediate payment demands, to trick victims into handing over money or personal information, so use common sense and stay cautious.

If you start getting calls about an unfamiliar loan, ask for more details about the account and check your credit report for unfamiliar activity. Never provide personal or financial information over the phone unless you’ve verified the legitimacy of the caller. If you suspect a scam, hang up and contact the creditor directly using official contact details. It’s important to dispute the debt and report the potential fraud to the authorities right away.

6. You’re denied benefits you never applied for

Government benefits, like unemployment benefits, could be claimed by someone posing as you. If you’re denied benefits because they’ve already been claimed under your Social Security number, it could be an indication of impersonation fraud. If you suspect fraud, contact the IRS and other government agencies to report the issue and request an investigation.

7. You receive data breach notifications involving your SSN

Data breaches are all too common these days, but if you get a notification that your SSN was exposed in a recent data breach, you should always thoroughly check your financial accounts and take precautions. When it comes to your Social Security number, even a single charge or number out of place is worth investigating. Otherwise, when you see clear problems, the fraud might already be widespread.

8. You receive strange bills or junk mail

Even your mailbox can offer warning signs. Letters or unfamiliar bills arriving at your address may mean your SSN has been compromised. If you receive strange bank statements, credit card offers, medical bills for procedures you don’t recognize, collection notices for accounts you didn’t open, or unexpected junk mail, it's worth investigating further.

How to check if someone is using your Social Security number

Often people only find out that their SSN got stolen when they’re denied credit or get calls about debts they don’t recognize. But if you stay proactive, you can catch the problem early and prevent the damage before it spirals out of control. Here’s how you can check if your SSN has been compromised.

Check your credit reports

Checking your credit reports regularly is one of the best ways to spot trouble early. Every year, you’re entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can get one by visiting “annualcreditreport.com.” These reports show all the accounts opened in your name and all recent loan or credit applications.

As you review your reports, look closely for accounts you don’t recognize, unexpected credit inquiries, or changes to your sensitive information like addresses or phone numbers you’ve never used. Even minor errors could indicate someone using your SSN to apply for credit.

Catching these red flags early can make a big difference, so check your reports regularly, not just once a year. Staying alert today could save you from major headaches tomorrow. Many identity theft protection services, including NordProtect, offer ongoing credit monitoring services. These services can alert you if something unusual appears on your credit file, giving you the chance to take action before the problem grows.

Monitor your Social Security earnings record

Another important step in protecting your Social Security number is keeping an eye on your Social Security earnings record. This record tracks the wages reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA) under your SSN.

To check your record, go to your Social Security account at “ssa.gov” or create one if you don’t have it. Once you log in, you can view your earnings history and Social Security statement online. If you see wages from employers you never worked for, it’s a strong warning sign that someone might be using your SSN to work illegally, which is a serious form of impersonation fraud.

This type of fraud can cause long-term problems, which can include tax issues and delays in receiving your future Social Security benefits. By reviewing your record at least once a year, you can catch these issues early and contact the SSA immediately to block electronic access to your SSN if something looks wrong. If you’re using an identity theft protection service like NordProtect, you won’t have to watch for every warning sign on your own. The service will immediately notify you if suspicious employment activity linked to your SSN is detected.

Review IRS and financial statements

Your tax records can also reveal signs that someone is using your SSN. One of the clearest warnings is if the IRS rejects your tax return because it’s already received one from someone else using your SSN.

You can request an IRS tax transcript at “irs.gov” to review the income reported under your SSN, even if it’s not tax season. This document shows the income reported under your SSN. If you see unfamiliar wages or employers, it could mean someone is using your SSN to work or commit tax fraud.

It’s also wise to regularly review your bank statements, credit card bills, and other financial records for suspicious charges or accounts you didn’t open. Sometimes criminals use stolen SSNs to open financial accounts, apply for loans, or even claim fraudulent tax refunds. Catching small signs early can help you avoid much bigger problems later.

Examine your Medicare history

If you have Medicare, your Social Security number is closely tied to your Medicare account, which makes it another target for identity thieves. Fraudsters may use your SSN to access healthcare benefits in your name, leaving you with false medical records, surprise bills, and even denied coverage.

To protect yourself from medical care fraud, check the statements Medicare sends you regularly. If you’re on the Original Medicare plan, you’ll receive Medicare summary notices (MSNs). If you have the Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll get the explanation of benefits (EOB) statements instead. These documents show what services and treatments were billed under your name. If you spot unfamiliar services, doctors you have never visited, or treatments you have never received, it could be a sign someone is using your Medicare benefits.

You can also log into your account at “medicare.gov” to check your claims history. If something looks off, contact Medicare or your insurance provider right away. Catching medical fraud early is crucial, not only for your finances but also for your health — incorrect medical records could affect your care in the future.

Sign up for free identity theft alerts

One of the smartest ways to stay one step ahead of identity thieves is to sign up for fraud alerts through banks, credit bureaus, or identity theft protection services like NordProtect. These alerts help boost security and allow you to respond before any real harm is done.

When you place a fraud alert on your credit file, creditors must take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can easily request a free fraud alert from any of the three major credit bureaus, and they’ll automatically notify the others for you.

Many banks also offer account alerts, sending you instant notifications if they detect any unusual activity or logins on your online accounts. Beyond that, specialized dark web monitoring services scan the dark web where stolen SSNs are often bought and sold. If your SSN shows up in a dark web scan, you’ll be alerted right away so you can take action before the damage spreads.

What to do if your Social Security number is compromised

Discovering that someone has stolen your SSN can feel overwhelming, but you can take action to protect yourself going forward. Acting fast gives you the best chance of stopping fraud in its tracks. Here’s what steps you should take if someone has been using your SSN to commit fraud:

1. Document everything. Start by gathering all the information related to the theft. Note down which accounts were affected, including credit cards, bank accounts, and loans. Include all information on suspicious transactions, such as the dates, amounts, and merchants involved. Keep all related documents in one place.
2. Place a fraud alert or freeze your credit. Place a fraud alert or consider a credit freeze if the situation feels especially serious. A fraud alert warns creditors to take extra steps to confirm the user's identity before approving a new credit. A credit freeze goes even further by completely locking access to your credit record, making it nearly impossible for someone to open new accounts in your name. You can request these protection measures through all major credit bureaus.
3. Report the crime. You’ll need to report the incident to various organizations. Start by filing an official identity theft report online with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at “identitytheft.gov.” FTC will create an official record of the crime and give you a personal recovery plan. If you believe someone is using your SSN to work or collect benefits, you should also contact the SSA through its fraud hotline or file a report at “ssa.gov.” If the crime extends to tax-related fraud, you should fill out the identity theft affidavit to alert the IRS. Speaking of local law enforcement — file a police report too. Bring your FTC report, a government ID, proof of address, and supporting evidence of the fraud. Some creditors won’t investigate fraud without this step, so it’s worth the trip to your local police station.
4. Secure your financial accounts. Contact your bank and credit card companies to close or freeze affected accounts. At the same time, secure your financial accounts by changing passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and closely monitoring your accounts for ongoing or new fraudulent activity. Open new accounts and update automatic payments with your new account numbers if needed. This way, you’ll protect your financial assets from further unauthorized access. 

What can happen if someone has your SSN?

If someone gets access to your Social Security number, they can use it to commit a wide range of impersonation fraud. Even if you don’t see signs of misuse right away, the risks are serious and can follow you for years. With your SSN, a thief can:

• Open financial accounts in your name. Thieves can use your credit history to apply for credit cards, loans, or even mortgages using your SSN.
• Steal tax refunds. Fraudsters may file fake tax returns to claim refunds you’re entitled to or commit other abuses involving taxes.
• Get medical care or benefits. Scammers could use your SSN to obtain medical treatments, health insurance benefits, or even access benefits from government agencies meant for you.
• Commit employment fraud. A thief could use your SSN to get a job, which could mix their earnings and tax history with yours.
• Create criminal records under your name. Sometimes identity thieves give stolen SSNs to law enforcement, creating criminal records tied to your identity.

How to prevent the misuse of your Social Security number

The best way to protect yourself from SSN misuse is to be proactive. Taking small but important steps now can help prevent fraud in the future. Here are some tips that can help you keep your SSN safer:

1. Limit how often you share your SSN. Avoid giving it out unless absolutely necessary and always ask why it’s needed and how the company will protect it. Many companies request your SSN out of habit, not because it’s essential.
2. Monitor your credit regularly. Check your credit reports for unfamiliar accounts or suspicious activity. For extra protection, consider setting up real-time fraud alerts or enrolling in an identity protection service, which can help monitor your information and alert you to potential threats so you don’t have to do it all yourself.
3. Secure personal documents. Keep your Social Security card, tax records, and other sensitive paperwork in a safe place. If you store these documents digitally, make sure they’re encrypted and password-protected.