Social Security Alerts, News & Updates
E-Verify’s Secret: Free Social Security Protection

Your Social Security number gets shared constantly. Job applications, loan paperwork, medical forms, tax documents. You’ve probably handed over those nine digits more times than you can count this year, and honestly, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by how often you need to provide this crucial piece of your identity.
Here’s what makes this situation even more concerning. Criminals understand exactly how valuable your Social Security number is too. They’re actively working to steal it because they know what doors it opens.
Every major data breach puts millions of Social Security numbers at risk. When hackers break into company databases, they’re not really after credit card numbers (those get canceled and replaced pretty quickly). They want Social Security numbers because these unlock employment verification, government benefits, tax refunds, and new lines of credit. Once someone has your SSN, they can potentially work under your name, file fraudulent tax returns, or open accounts you’ll never discover until serious damage occurs.
But here’s some genuinely good news. You don’t have to just sit back and worry about what might happen. According to the Social Security Administration, there’s actually a powerful, completely free defense strategy that puts you back in control of who can access your Social Security number electronically.
Taking Control: How to Block Electronic Access to Your SSN
Protecting your Social Security number doesn’t require expensive monitoring services or complex security software. The Social Security Administration and related agencies offer free tools that let you lock down electronic access to your number. Think of it like installing a deadbolt on your most valuable possession.
Contact the SSA Directly by Phone
The most straightforward approach involves a simple phone call to the Social Security Administration. Based on 2024 regulations, here’s exactly how this process works:
- Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 during business hours
- Navigate their automated system to reach a representative
- Verify your identity through standard security questions
- Request an electronic access block on your Social Security number
- Receive confirmation that the block has been activated
Their phone lines operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Phone calls can feel intimidating, but this one delivers real value. Try calling early morning or later in the week when wait times tend to be shorter.
During the call, you’ll verify your identity through standard security questions. It’s completely normal to feel nervous about this process. Once the representative confirms who you are, they can immediately block electronic access to your SSN. No paperwork, no fees, no complicated procedures.
Create Your Digital Defense with MyE-Verify
If phone calls make you anxious, the MyE-Verify system offers a self-service option that’s equally effective. This platform, managed jointly by the Social Security Administration and US Citizenship and Immigration Services, includes a self-lock feature specifically designed to protect your number.
The MyE-Verify self-lock feature works as follows:
- Visit the official E-Verify website and create an account
- Complete the identity verification process using personal information
- Navigate to the self-lock section within your account dashboard
- Activate the lock feature for your Social Security number
- Set up email notifications for lock status updates
When you create a MyE-Verify account, you can activate the lock yourself and maintain control over when it’s active. According to SSA guidelines, the system automatically sets the lock for one year. You’ll receive an alert 30 days before expiration, giving you plenty of time to extend the protection if you choose.
This approach works particularly well because many employers already use E-Verify to confirm work eligibility. When your number is locked, anyone attempting to verify your SSN through the system hits a wall, effectively stopping fraudsters in their tracks.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Every security measure comes with some inconvenience, and lock your Social Security number is no exception. The primary drawback mirrors what many people experience with credit freezes: when you block others from accessing your information, you also create extra steps for yourself.
Need to start a new job? You’ll have to unlock your SSN so your employer can verify your eligibility to work. Applying for government benefits? Same story. The back-and-forth process of locking and unlocking might feel tedious, but many people find this minor inconvenience worthwhile.
For those who have already experienced employment identity theft or tax fraud, this small hassle often feels like a reasonable price to pay for peace of mind. If you’re particularly concerned about tax-related identity theft, you can also request an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS. This additional safeguard prevents anyone from filing a tax return using your SSN or individual taxpayer identification number.
When You Need to Temporarily Unlock Your SSN
Based on 2024 regulations, you’ll need to temporarily unlock your Social Security number for legitimate purposes such as:
- Starting employment with a new employer who uses E-Verify
- Applying for federal benefits or services
- Completing background checks for certain positions
- Participating in government programs that require SSN verification
The unlocking process typically takes just a few minutes through the same channels you used to create the lock. For current procedures and requirements, consult SSA.gov for personalized advice based on your specific situation.
SSN Locks vs. Credit Freezes: Understanding the Difference
Many people confuse Social Security number locks with credit freezes, and that’s totally understandable. These are two distinct protective measures that work in different ways. While both are free and highly effective, they guard against different types of identity theft.
How Credit Freezes Work
A credit freeze restricts access to your credit reports at the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This prevents criminals from opening new credit accounts, taking out loans, or applying for mortgages in your name. To implement a credit freeze, you contact each bureau separately.
How SSN Locks Function
An SSN lock, on the other hand, blocks electronic access to your Social Security record itself. This stops employment verification fraud and prevents criminals from accessing government benefits using your number. The two protections complement each other beautifully, creating multiple layers of defense against different types of identity theft.
According to SSA guidelines, these protections work together to create what security experts call “defense in depth.” Think of it like having both a security system and deadbolts on your home – each layer makes it harder for criminals to succeed.
Will This Strategy Eliminate All Identity Theft Risks?
Here’s the honest answer: locking your Social Security number significantly reduces your risk, but it’s not a magic bullet. This protection excels at preventing employment identity theft and stopping criminals from collecting government benefits in your name. However, it won’t shield you from every possible form of identity theft.
Smart criminals adapt their tactics constantly. They might target your existing accounts instead of trying to open new ones. They could attempt social engineering attacks through phone calls or text messages. Some might focus on stealing your personal information through other means entirely.
What SSN Locks Don’t Protect Against
It’s important to understand the limitations of Social Security number locks:
- Existing account takeovers (criminals accessing accounts you already have)
- Medical identity theft using stolen insurance information
- Synthetic identity fraud (combining real and fake information)
- Social engineering attacks that don’t require electronic verification
- Physical theft of documents containing your SSN
The key is treating SSN protection as part of a broader security strategy. Never share your Social Security number unless absolutely necessary. Be especially wary of unsolicited calls or messages requesting this information. Legitimate organizations will never ask for your SSN through cold calls or text messages.
Building Your Complete Defense Strategy
The most effective approach combines multiple protective measures. Start with the free options: lock your Social Security number and freeze your credit with all three major bureaus. These two steps alone will block the vast majority of identity theft attempts.
Essential Free Protections
- Activate an SSN lock through the Social Security Administration
- Place credit freezes with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
- Request an IP PIN from the IRS if you’re concerned about tax fraud
- Monitor your credit reports annually through AnnualCreditReport.com
- Set up account alerts for your existing financial accounts
From there, consider whether additional monitoring services make sense for your situation. Credit monitoring keeps you informed about changes to your credit reports. Meanwhile, comprehensive identity theft protection often includes credit monitoring plus dark web surveillance and data breach notifications.
Advanced Protection Options
If your identity does get compromised despite these precautions, many services offer restoration assistance to help you recover. Some people find value in services that monitor the dark web for their personal information or provide alerts when their data appears in new breaches.
Protecting your identity isn’t a one-time task. It requires ongoing attention and periodic updates to your security measures. But with Social Security number locks and credit freezes as your foundation, you’re building from a position of strength. These free tools put you back in control of your most sensitive information, making it much harder for criminals to profit from your identity.
Remember that regulations and procedures can change. For the most current information about protecting your Social Security number, always consult SSA.gov for personalized advice and up-to-date guidelines.
So you have a choice: continue worrying that your Social Security number might get stolen, or take active steps to protect it. Given how much damage identity thieves can cause with just nine digits, the extra effort involved in locking down your SSN seems like a pretty reasonable investment in your financial future.