Credit freezes are your free shield against thieves. fstop123/Getty Images
Your Social Security number is a crucial piece of personal information. It's used for everything from getting a new job to securing lines of credit, making it a prime target for identity thieves. This nine-digit number is linked to health benefits, taxes and more. As we see major breaches happen more and more often, protecting your SSN is more important than ever.
You can pay for monitoring, but there is a tougher, free line of defense you control: Lock your SSN and pair it with a credit freeze. Blocking electronic access to your number makes it much harder for criminals to pass employment checks or open accounts in your name, and a freeze stops new credit even if someone has your details. There's also the option of an identity protection service if you want extra assurance.
It adds a little friction to your life but if you have dealt with identity theft or your information was caught in a breach, that extra barrier can prevent real damage.
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How to lock your Social Security number
There are two ways to block access to your Social Security number.
Call the Social Security Administration
You can contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. Wait times are usually shorter in the morning and later in the week. Once you confirm your identity, the SSA will wave its magic wand and block electronic access to your SSN.
Create an E-Verify account
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