How to Protect Your Disability Benefits After the Recent Widespread Social Security Number Leak?

In recent news, a massive data breach at National Public Data has compromised Social Security Numbers (SSNs) for millions of U.S. citizens.

This incident has raised significant concerns about identity theft and fraud, particularly affecting Indianapolis individuals who rely on Social Security benefits due to disabilities.

If you receive disability benefits, it’s crucial to understand how this breach could impact you and what steps you should take to safeguard your personal and financial information.

The Impact of SSN Leaks on Disability Benefits

A breach of such magnitude can expose your SSN to malicious parties, increasing the risk of identity theft. For those receiving disability benefits, this means:

• Potential Fraudulent Claims: Criminals might attempt to file fraudulent claims or make unauthorized changes to your benefit payments.
• Disruption of Benefits: Unauthorized activities could lead to delays or interruptions in receiving your benefits, which are vital for your daily needs.
• Financial Harm: Identity theft can result in significant financial losses, which could further complicate your situation if you’re already managing disability-related expenses.

Steps You can Take Right Now To Find Out if You’re at Risk

Start by verifying if your data has been compromised. The simplest way to do this is by using the Have I Been Pwned website. Through this website you can determine which data breaches might involve your information and the extent of the exposure.

To use Have I Been Pwned, just enter your email address, and within a minute, you’ll receive information about any breaches involving your data.

The breach itself so far did not expose any email addresses, however if your email address is found through the Have I Been Pwned website you should take this as a warning and make sure you’re protecting yourself accordingly.

Immediate Steps to Take if Your SSN is Compromised

If you suspect that your SSN has been compromised, take these essential steps immediately to protect yourself:

• Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA): Report the potential misuse of your SSN to the SSA. They can help you monitor your records and make necessary adjustments to prevent further issues. Visit the SSA website or call their hotline for guidance.
• Place a Credit Freeze: Contact the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a credit freeze. This will prevent new accounts from being opened in your name and add an extra layer of security.
• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your financial accounts and SSA statements for any unauthorized activity. Set up alerts with your bank and credit accounts to quickly spot suspicious transactions.
• File a Report with the FTC: If you suspect identity theft, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This can help you create an Identity Theft Report, which is essential for resolving any fraudulent charges and correcting your records.
• Review your credit reports: Be on top of any unauthorized accounts or activity. You can access free weekly credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Password Management: Update all your passwords for your most important and vital online accounts.

Preventing Tax-Related Fraud

Take steps to prevent potential tax-related fraud by contacting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Here’s what you need to do:

• Contact the IRS: Call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490. This dedicated line assists individuals who suspect their tax accounts may be compromised due to identity theft.
• Submit an Identity Theft Affidavit: Fill out IRS Form 14039 to report suspected identity theft. You can submit this form online through IdentityTheft.gov, which will forward it to the IRS, or download it from the IRS website and mail it with your tax return to the address listed on the form.
• Respond to IRS Notices: If you receive a notice from the IRS indicating fraudulent use of your SSN, carefully follow the instructions provided. These notices are usually sent by mail. You may need to submit Form 14039 or additional documentation to verify your identity and address the issue.

In the wake of this major data breach, protecting your Social Security benefits and personal information is more important than ever.

By taking prompt action and seeking professional legal assistance if needed, you can safeguard your benefits and minimize the risk of further issues.

Stay Safe