Social Security data breach raises identity theft risk for millions

A recent court filing has reignited concerns about the safety of Americans’ most sensitive personal information.

The Trump administration acknowledged that DOGE service members accessed and shared Social Security data without agency authorization, according to reporting by The Washington Post. While the scope of the exposure remains unclear, the admission underscores a broader reality: Social Security numbers are widely held, frequently mishandled, and central to identity theft.

For consumers, the takeaway is not panic — it is preparation.

Steve Weisman, a longtime scam expert and publisher of Scamicide.com, said the Social Security number remains “the key” that unlocks most forms of identity theft. Once compromised, it can be used to open credit accounts, file fraudulent tax returns, and redirect government benefits.

Say no when you can

One of the simplest protections is also the most overlooked. Many organizations ask for Social Security numbers when they do not actually need them.

Medical providers are a common example. Weisman said consumers should refuse whenever possible and offer alternatives such as a driver’s license number. Even partial disclosure, such as the last four digits, can pose risks for adults.

Why credit freezes beat fraud alerts

Consumers are often advised to place fraud alerts on their credit reports. Weisman said that advice is outdated.

Fraud alerts are frequently ignored. A credit freeze, by contrast, blocks new accounts from being opened without your explicit permission. Freezes must be placed at all three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — and at the National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange, which tracks phone and utility accounts often targeted by scammers.

Freezes are now free and easy to manage, a change enacted after the Equifax data breach.

Children are prime targets

Children’s Social Security numbers are especially valuable to criminals because fraud can go undetected for years. Parents can freeze their children’s credit to prevent misuse long before it causes damage.

Monitor, but do it safely

Consumers can access their credit reports for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. Although weekly access is available, Weisman said monthly reviews are sufficient.

He warned against look-alike sites that promise free reports but charge fees or harvest personal data.

The tax identity theft threat

Tax-related identity theft remains a serious and costly problem. Criminals file fraudulent returns using stolen Social Security numbers and claim refunds before legitimate taxpayers file.

An IRS Identity Protection PIN can stop that. The PIN is free, must be renewed annually, and is required to file a return in your name. With IRS staffing cuts slowing resolution times, prevention is far less painful than cleanup.

Lock down your accounts

Two-factor authentication adds another critical layer of defense. Even if a password is compromised, it can stop unauthorized access.

Consumers should also create a My Social Security account. Without one, scammers can establish an account in your name and reroute benefits.

Are monitoring services worth it?

Paid identity monitoring services can offer convenience, but Weisman said they do not provide protections consumers cannot implement themselves at no cost. Some have also faced regulatory scrutiny for exaggerated claims.

The bottom line

Social Security numbers are widely shared across public and private systems. According to Weisman, exposure is no longer hypothetical.

“It’s not a matter of if,” he said. “It’s a matter of when.”

Key takeaways

Freeze your credit at all major bureaus and NCTUE — fraud alerts are not enough.

Limit disclosure of your Social Security number whenever possible.

Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN to prevent tax refund fraud.

Create a My Social Security account before a scammer does.

Monitor your credit regularly, using only legitimate sources.