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How to Know If Someone is Using Your Social Security Number

  • By Farrukh Mushtaq

    Farrukh Mushtaq

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    Farrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.

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  • 23 April 2025
  • 13 mins read

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Table of Contents
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Your Social Security number is a critical piece of your identity and can be used to steal your identity. The consequences of someone else using your SSN can damage your reputation and could lead to unexpected bills, legal issues, and difficulty in accessing essential services.

Recognizing the warning signs that your SSN may have been compromised can help you mitigate harm. This guide will outline key indicators and actions you can take to determine if your Social Security number is being misused.

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12 Signs to  Know if Someone is Using Your Social Security Number

You can guess if your Social Security Number is used by someone without your knowledge by looking for these signs:

  1. Receiving bills or calls for accounts you did not open.
  2. Seeing credit cards or loans you didn't apply for.
  3. Being rejected for credit due to existing unknown accounts.
  4. Not receiving expected mail or getting notifications of address changes you didn't make.
  5. Discovering that someone else filed taxes using your SSN.
  6. An employer you do not know is verifying your work eligibility.
  7. Seeing unfamiliar charges or withdrawals.
  8. Receiving letters about unemployment or other benefits.
  9. Getting charged for healthcare you never had.
  10. Being informed that your SSN was compromised in a data breach.
  11. Getting unsolicited requests for your SSN or other personal information.
  12. Discrepancies in your earnings or benefits record.

What To Do If Someone Is Using Your Social Security Number?

It is important to take immediate action if you suspect that someone is using your Social Security Number. You must immediately:

  1. File an identity theft report with the FTC.
  2. Contact your local police department to file a report, especially if you know who the thief is. Get a copy of the report.
  3. Place a fraud alert on your Credit Reports.
  4. Restrict access to your credit report by freezing it.

What Can Happen If Someone Uses Your SSN?

If someone uses your Social Security number (SSN), it can lead to many serious and long-lasting problems, including:

  1. Financial Harm

Identity thieves can access credit cards, open bank accounts, and take out loans in your name, leading to debt and damage to your credit score. Unpaid bills and defaults on fraudulent accounts will severely lower your credit score. Your existing accounts might be drained, and large purchases could be made in your name.

  1. Legal and Personal Issues

Your SSN might be used to get a job, which can create tax problems and damage your employment records. You could be denied loans, housing, or even government benefits. You may also receive calls and letters demanding payment for debts you did not incur.

  1. Long-Term Consequences

Rebuilding a severely damaged credit score can take years. Getting a mortgage, car loan, or even a credit card can be challenging for a long time. Once your SSN is compromised, it can be sold or shared, increasing the risk of future identity theft.

Protect and Prevent Your Data from Exploitation

If your essential data, including your Social Security Number, social accounts, passwords, and more, is used without your knowledge, there is a chance that it might be rotating on the dark web too.

Besides being cautious, you need a holistic solution for your privacy protection. With PurePrivacy, you can manage your data easily.

  • Get a real-time privacy score about how vulnerable your data is.
  • Manage your social media privacy with customised recommendations.
  • Enable tracker blocker to avoid unnecessary tracking.
  • Delete your essential data from data brokers to limit unwanted advertisements.

Enable Dark Web Monitoring on PurePrivacy

You must protect your data from ending up on the dark web. Here’s what to do:

  1. Sign up for PureMax.
  2. Download and install the PurePrivacy app.
  3. Log in to your account and select Dark Web Monitoring.
Enable Dark Web Monitoring on PurePrivacy
  1. Select Add Assets to Monitor and add your Social Security Number, SSN/NIN, credit card number, passport number, and phone number.
  2. Enter the code sent to your registered number, and you’re done.
Enter the code sent to your registered number, and you’re done
  1. Follow the recommended measures if your data is part of a breach to prevent further misuse.
Follow the recommended measures

Use Dark Web Monitoring to Get Alerts About Information Leaks

Your personal information is a target for hackers and scammers, that will ruin your online identity and finances.

Imagine losing your hard-earned money, your reputation, and your peace of mind to a cybercriminal.

With PureVPN, you can scan the Dark Web 24/7 and receive alert notifications whenever someone posts your private information (Email Address, Phone Number, Credit Card Number, SSN, Passport Number). Get instant Dark Web Alerts and the power to stop data breaches dead in their tracks.

Get Dark Web Alerts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How do you know if someone used your SSN?

    Plus

    Your SSN might be used by someone if you have noticed unfamiliar bills or collection notices, unknown accounts on your credit reports, denied credit for reasons you do not understand, medical bills for services you did not receive, or any suspicious activities that you think are not normal.

  • Can someone use your SSN?

    Plus

    Yes, your SSN could be used for
    Opening credit cards or loans.
    Getting a job.
    Filing taxes.
    Applying for government benefits.
    Obtaining medical care.
    Accessing your bank accounts.
    Committing crimes under your identity.

  • How to get notified if someone uses your SSN?

    Plus

    You might not get a single notification about the unauthorised use of your SSN, instead, you can track your credit reports and be alerted to new accounts, inquiries, or changes. Place fraud alerts on your credit reports. Review your credit reports regularly, monitor your bank and financial statements, sign up for email or text alerts from your financial institutions, and review your Social Security statement annually.

  • How can I stop someone from using my SSN?

    Plus

    Keep your physical card secure and avoid sharing your SSN unnecessarily, especially online or via unsolicited requests. Consider placing a credit freeze with all three major credit bureaus to restrict access to your credit report. Be vigilant about monitoring your credit reports and financial accounts for any suspicious activity.

  • How much does Dark Web Monitoring cost?

    Plus

    PureVPN dark web monitoring is included with your PureVPN subscription, giving you real-time alerts on how to prevent your data from dark web leaks. Get 65% off on our Max Plan.

In Conclusion

Keeping your private data safe is very important, as you could become the target of multiple exploitations. If you have shared your SSN number and doubt that it might be used without your knowledge, take the right steps before it is too late. Stay vigilant and manage your privacy with PureVPN.

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