In April 2024, a major data breach reportedly occurred, potentially compromising the personal information of billions of people. According to reports from CBS News and Bloomberg Law, a hacker group known as USDoD allegedly stole the records of 2.9 billion people from National Public Data and sold the information on the dark web. The stolen data reportedly includes Social Security numbers, full names, current and past addresses spanning the last three decades, as well as information about parents, siblings, and other relatives.
What to Do If Your Social Security Number Was Stolen
If your Social Security number has been stolen, the Social Security Administration cannot directly prevent someone from misusing your information. However, there are essential steps you should take:
- Visit IdentityTheft.gov: Your first step should be to go to the Federal Trade Commission’s website IdentityTheft.gov and file a personal recovery plan. This plan will provide you with instructions on how to recover your identity.
- Contact the IRS: It’s crucial to get in touch with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to prevent anyone from using your Social Security number to file a tax return or obtain employment using your identity.
- Reach Out to the Social Security Administration: If you believe your Social Security number has been compromised, contact the Social Security Administration so they can assist you in reviewing your statements and taking any necessary precautions.
Taking prompt action is essential to protect your identity and personal information in the event of a data breach like this.
