Technology9/15/2025CNET

Locking Your Social Security Number Can Protect You From Identity Theft – Here's How It Works

Locking Your Social Security Number Can Protect You From Identity Theft – Here's How It Works

The article discusses a method to safeguard against identity theft by locking your Social Security number (SSN). Locking your SSN is a free service offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that prevents your number from being used to open new credit accounts or make changes to existing ones. This locks down your SSN and helps prevent fraudsters from obtaining it and using it for malicious purposes. To lock your SSN, you can contact the SSA directly and request a "my Social Security" account. Once you've created the account, you can toggle the SSN lock on and off as needed. The article emphasizes that locking your SSN is a simple, effective, and free way to protect yourself from identity theft, in contrast to paid credit monitoring services. It encourages readers to take advantage of this SSA-provided tool to safeguard their personal information and financial well-being.

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