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Your Social Security Number (SSN) is one of the most valuable pieces of personal information you own. If cybercriminals get their hands on it, they can open credit cards, loans, or even commit tax fraud in your name—and you may not even realize it until it’s too late.

Most people don’t know this, but you can lock your SSN to prevent unauthorized access and stop identity thieves in their tracks. In this quick guide, you’ll learn why locking your SSN is critical, how to do it, and how to take your privacy protection even further.

Discover how to detect if someone is fraudulently using your SSN.

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Why Locking Your SSN Is a Game-Changer

Your SSN is a high-value target for identity thieves. If exposed, criminals can:

• Open credit cards and bank accounts in your name.
• File fraudulent tax returns to steal your refund.
• Gain access to healthcare services under your identity.
• Use your SSN to apply for jobs, causing IRS tax issues.

Even if you’re careful, data breaches and leaks have made millions of SSNs vulnerable. Locking your SSN is one of the best ways to prevent fraud before it happens.

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How Locking Your SSN Works

Locking your SSN means nobody can use it without your authorization—not even scammers or fraudsters.

There are two main ways to lock your SSN:

My E-Verify SSN Lock (Prevents Employment Fraud)

Offered by the Department of Homeland Security to stop fraudsters from using your SSN for employment.

Best for: Preventing unauthorized job applications in your name.

How to Lock:

• Go to MyE-Verify
• Sign up and verify your identity
• Enable Self Lock for your SSN

Credit Freeze (Prevents Financial Fraud)

Stops lenders and creditors from accessing your credit file, making it impossible for fraudsters to open new accounts in your name.

Best for: Preventing scammers from opening credit cards, loans, or mortgages using your SSN.

Important Note: You can temporarily unfreeze your credit anytime if you need to apply for a loan, rent an apartment, or undergo a background check.

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What Happens After You Lock Your SSN?

Once locked, your SSN will be protected against unauthorized access, preventing fraud and misuse. However, criminals can still find other ways to target you—especially if your personal information is easily available online.

To stay fully protected:

• Monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity.
• Use Privacy Bee to remove your personal information from data broker websites.
• Enable identity theft alerts with your bank and credit card providers.

Already exposed? Find out what to do after a data breach.

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Why Privacy Bee Is Your Next Step for Full Protection

Even with your SSN locked, data brokers and people-search sites still expose your personal details, making you a prime target for scammers.

Here’s how Privacy Bee strengthens your protection:

• Removes your personal information from over 600+ data broker sites.

Learn how Privacy Bee removes your personal information from data brokers.

• Scans for vulnerabilities and alerts you when your data is exposed.
• Blocks trackers and data-harvesting companies from accessing your personal details.

Locking your SSN is a critical first step, but it’s not enough to stop identity thieves. Privacy Bee goes further by removing your personal data from 600+ data broker sites and blocking trackers from harvesting your information. Take full control of your privacy today—lock your SSN, then let Privacy Bee fortify your digital life.