Identity theft is the order of the day and to prevent this type of attack, it is key to protect the Social Security Number (SSN). Through my Social Security Seucrity, the Social Security Administration explains that it is necessary to make a check to know if all the personal data assigned to the card are the corresponding ones. Among the information to be examined is the income history. So, in case you see any unusual activity, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will protect the personal and financial data. Read on to learn all the tricks to ensure your security.
The simplest, free and official trick
If you have doubts about the validity of your Social Security number (SSN), there is a simple, free and official trick to confirm it: create an account on my Social Security, the web portal of the Social Security Administration (SSA). From there you can check if your number is active, if your income history is correct and if your personal data, such as name and date of birth, are correctly recorded.
How to know if your Social Security number is authentic
The official SSA website offers the most reliable tool to validate your SSN. By registering on the my Social Security platform, you will be able to:
Confirm that your number is active and correctly associated with your identity.
Check your income history as recorded by the SSA.
Verify that there are no discrepancies with your name, date of birth or immigration status.
Detect possible misuse of your number by third parties.
This service is available to citizens, permanent residents and workers with legal permission to work in the United States.
Signs that a Social Security number may be fake
Although SSNs are no longer assigned based on state of residence, they still follow a standard format: AAA-GG-SSSSSS. There are certain patterns that can indicate a possible irregularity:
Numbers beginning with “000,” “666,” or “9” are invalid. Combinations such as “00” in the second part (GG) or “0000” in the last part (SSSS) are also not assigned. If your number fits any of these sequences, it is probably not authentic.
What to do if you suspect someone is using your SSN?
If you discover income you don’t recognize or any other anomaly while reviewing your account, act immediately:
- Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to report the problem.
- Report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through IdentityTheft.gov.
- Consider placing a credit freeze with the appropriate agencies to prevent further fraudulent accounts.
The safest “trick” to verify your Social Security number is no secret: simply create a my Social Security account through the official SSA website.
This simple action allows you to confirm that your SSN is authentic, prevent fraud and ensure that all your contributions are correctly recorded. In a context where identity security is key, taking this precaution is more than recommended: it is a necessity.
Meaning of the Social Security Number
One of the most urgent tasks following passage of the Social Security Act in 1935 was to devise a method for uniquely identifying the earnings records for the millions of persons covered by the new law. Since entitlement to Social Security and the benefit amount were to be determined from a person’s earnings over many years, a method was needed for maintaining permanent and accurate earnings records for each person working in employment covered by the Social Security program. The Social Security number was developed for this purpose.
The Social Security number (SSN) consists of nine digits divided into three parts, with each part usually
separated by a hyphen: xxx Area number – xx Group number – xxxx Serial number
This unique configuration,plus the fact that an SSN is used for many purposes besides employment (income tax returns, bank accounts, drivers’ licenses, and so forth), makes the number easily recognizable. Although most people believe that each part of the number has a special significance, few know what that significance is.
Replace Social Security card
Depending on your situation, you may be able to apply for a replacement card online. If not, you’ll need to make an appointment at a local office. Answer a few questions about yourself in this link, and we’ll show you the best way to make your request.
You also have the option of calling by phone. Available in most U.S. time zones Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., in English, Spanish, and other languages. Call +1 800-772-1213 Tell the representative you want to request a replacement Social Security card. Call TTY +1 800-325-0778 if you’re deaf or hard of hearing.