Everyone wants your Social Security number. Some requests are legit, like when you're starting a new job, applying for a loan or verifying your identity.
But countless others, from data brokers to scammers, are after your nine-digit code, too. In fact, an estimated 2,400 data brokers operate in the U.S., collecting and selling billions of personal records, often without your knowledge. Some even offer “credit header data,” which includes Social Security numbers, for as little as $5 per record.
And then there are data breaches, a hacker’s goldmine. In 2024 alone, there were 3,158 reported data breaches, exposing millions of sensitive records, many including Social Security numbers. Once stolen, your SSN ends up for sale on the Dark Web for as little as $1 to $4. Criminals then use it for identity theft, fraudulent loans, fake tax returns and even creating new identities.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) was gearing up to crack down on data brokers with a new rule banning the sale of your personal data, but big business lobbying put the brakes on it. That means your most sensitive information remains up for grabs.
So, what can you do to protect yourself? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s what’s happening and how to lock down your Social Security number before it’s too late.
What was supposed to happen?
Meet Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He’s the acting CFPB director, and he hit the agency’s brakes on everything from new regulations to announcing anything publicly. Why?
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency is combining the books. This means the rule to stop data brokers from selling your info might not drop as planned on March 3 … or ever.
Why should you care?
Trusting data brokers with your info is a gamble. They don’t just sell your details to advertisers who want more info to tell you stuff. Hackers and identity thieves buy from them, too.
Even if a data broker doesn’t sell it directly to those shady folks, there’s always the possibility of a breach. Just ask the millions of Americans (that’s us!) exposed in the Gravy Analytics hack. That's why taking control of your info is the way to go.
How to safeguard your SSN
Locking down your Social Security number isn’t exactly easy, but it’s worth it.
Step 1: Use the government’s free Self Lock feature. To do this online, you first need to create an E‑Verify account, which means verifying your identity, setting up security questions and navigating a maze of government webpages. Prefer the old-fashioned way? You can also request a block by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Just be prepared to sit on hold for what feels like forever.
Step 2: If your SSN is stolen and used for fraud, like someone opening a loan or getting a job in your name, start at IdentityTheft.gov. Fill out the lengthy form, and the Federal Trade Commission will generate a detailed recovery plan customized to your situation. It’s a process but necessary to reclaim your identity and lock it down from future theft.
Step 3: Check with the IRS. If a scammer is using your SSN, you won’t know until red flags start popping up, like receiving a tax form for a job you never worked or filing your taxes only to find out someone beat you to it. The IRS has a dedicated hub for this called Identity Theft Central, where you can report misuse and start fixing the mess.
It’s a hassle, but so is dealing with stolen identity fallout. Get ahead of it now before someone else cashes in on your SSN.
Your personal data is for sale – Here’s how to stop it
Your name, address, phone number and even your Social Security number are all out there, bought and sold like a cheap commodity by data brokers. And guess what? These companies make removing your data nearly impossible because they’re making millions by selling it to anyone willing to pay, including scammers, hackers and identity thieves.
I know this firsthand. I wasted 36 hours emailing sketchy websites, filling out endless forms, making calls and even sending letters by mail, only to hit dead ends. I gave up. Then, I found a better way.
Incogni does the hard work for you
I tested three different services, and Incogni was the only one that delivered real results. So far, they’ve sent over 1,076 requests on my behalf, forcing data-broker and people-search sites to remove my personal information for good. Even better? Incogni adds you to data suppression lists, meaning they can’t legally put your info back. Love that.
And here’s the reality: Your data is already floating around the Dark Web. The longer you wait, the more exposed you are. Identity theft, robocalls and scams aren’t just annoyances. They’re real threats.
Don’t waste hours fighting this battle alone like I did. Incogni does the work for you quickly, legally and effectively.
✅ Try it risk-free: Right now, you can try Incogni for 30 days, no risk. If you’re not 100% satisfied, get your money back. Use this link to get 60% off and take control of your privacy before someone else does.
I don’t make any residuals if you use Incogni. I just want you to stay safe. Get started now. You’ll be so glad you did. I am.
