National Public Data, a data aggregator for background checks, confirmed a data breach earlier this month that could affect millions across the country, including residents in Tennessee.
It is estimated that the breach includes 2.9 billion records including names, addresses and Social Security numbers. Despite the breach, it's important to remember not to give out your Social Security number while trying to determine whether it has been stolen.
Here is what to know about protecting your Social Security number and how to check if it was leaked.
Why you shouldn't share your Social Security number
While there are certain spaces where it is okay or expected to give over your Social Security number, it should be done with caution. Banks, schools, new employers, accountants and landlords are all places where you can expect to be asked for you Social Security number. You should not submit your number to people, businesses or websites that are untrustworthy.
Fraudsters can do a lot with that number and some identifiable information, like the following, according to AARP :
- Open credit accounts in the victim's name
- Use the victim's information to collect unemployment insurance
- Circumvent the victim's benefits
How to check if your Social Security number was compromised during 2024 data breach?
Some websites are reputable and allow people to check if their data was stolen without requiring them to submit a Social Security number.
The following are reputable websites that don't require Social Security numbers to be submitted, according to CNBC:
- NPD.pentester.com — Only requires people to submit their first name, last name, state and birth year.
- NPDBreach.com — People can search for their information using their full name and zip code, SSN, or phone number.
How do Social Security numbers get stolen?
According to the Social Security Administration , there are a number of ways thieves can steal your information.
This includes:
- Stealing wallets, purses, and your mail (bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks, and tax information).
- Stealing personal information you provide to an unsecured site online, from business or personnel records at work, and personal information in your home.
- Rummaging through your trash, the trash of businesses, and public trash dumps for personal data.
- Buying personal information from “inside” sources. For example, an identity thief may pay a store employee for information about you that appears on an application for goods, services, or credit.
- Posing by phone or email as someone who legitimately needs information about you, such as employers, landlords, or government agencies.
What to do if you suspect your Social Security number has been stolen?
If you suspect your number has been stolen, you should contact the Social Security Administration. If you report the identity theft to their services, you can get a recovery guide that leads you through each step of the recovery process. It is managed by the Federal Trade Commission and it's safe to use.
Credit reports can show signs of fraud
The University of Wisconsin-Madison says people can check to see if their identity has been stolen through signs of fraud in their credit reports. Credit reports can be requested once a year through the following locations:
If there is suspicious activity noted in the report, a credit freeze can be placed to prevent further misuse of the stolen information according to the Federal Trade Commission.
USA TODAY contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Social Security data breach 2024: How to check if your SSN was stolen in Tennessee
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