Stop letting identity thieves have all the fun. You can lock your SSN for the ultimate defense. fstop123/Getty Images
Identity theft is becoming more common as scammers target more and more Americans each year. It can be stressful to consider what could happen if cyber criminals manage to access your Social Security number. After all, that number is used for everything from applying to new jobs, to securing home loans or accessing state programs.
But you don't have to just cross your fingers and hope for the best. There's a free, powerful defense you can use: lock your SSN and freeze your credit.
An "SSN lock" (like the E-Verify Self Lock) stops someone from using your number to get a job, while a credit freeze stops them from opening new credit cards or loans in your name. Yes, it adds an extra step when you need to apply for something, but that's a tiny hassle compared to the nightmare of cleaning up after an identity thief. You might even want to seek assistance from an identity protection service. If your info was in a breach, stop waiting and lock it down.
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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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