This happened a month more ago. Some service the US govt was using for something was sloppy and exposed 2.9 billion SSNs in a data breach. I didn't know there were that many but maybe it includes EINs and other numbers similar to a personal SSN. Anyway, I found a clear and complete step-by-step video on how to lock up your SSN with the US govt. It uses the govt E-Verfiy web service, so you might be familiar with it for HazMat background checks, TWIC, etc. If you have registered with them before for one of those things you may want to use the same email address. It took me about 20-30 minutes setting it up, reviewing my data, testing, and then locking my SSN. You will need to record AT LEAST the Backup Code they give you in case you have a problem logging in in the future. If you lose that code it will not be good.
Follow the steps when you have a good connection, time, patience, and a notepad or password manager. Supposedly this will prevent someone from using your SSN to get a job. I also recommend you follow the steps for TransUnion, Experian, Equifax to LOCK or FREEZE your credit reports. No monitoring service, and nothing beside LOCK or FREEZE protects you like LOCK/FREEZE. It costs nothing but a little time. You also need to record your backup codes, or whatever they call it. Once locked, it only takes a few seconds to unlock/thaw your credit to get new credit or for a landlord or someone to check your credit.
Data Breach: 2.9 Billion Social Security Numbers at risk
Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by tscottme, Oct 2, 2024.
Page 1 of 4
-
silverspur, The_vett, Getsinyourblood and 3 others Thank this.
-
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
-
In addition to lock/freeze with the 3 agencies, you should also place a freeze on your file with Chexsystems.com
Prevents people from opening bank accounts in your name.silverspur, The_vett, 4wayflashers and 2 others Thank this. -
If you don't want to watch video, here are the steps he gives to lock your SSN
Lock SSN
myE-Verify
Click Create Account
Type in email address
Verify by clicking link in email
Agree to T.O.S.
Create password for website
Pick method for 2 Factor Authent.
Save backup code they send you
Pick your 5 security questions
Accept T.O.S.
Fill out personal data
Verify your info w/ ID questions
Click Manage My SSN
Set up 3 more security questions
Click Lock My SSNsilverspur, The_vett, 4wayflashers and 1 other person Thank this. -
There aren't 2.9 billion Americans. Who owns all those social security numbers? Seems pretty out of whack with reality. In fact the numbering scheme only goes to 1 billion.
Ex-Trucker Alex, The_vett, 201 and 1 other person Thank this. -
A few years ago someone hacked into Chase bank. Chase bank was known to be as secure as any system can be. The hackers were in the system for I believe 2 whole days before being detected. The experts said the hackers had complete access and could have drained enormous sums. They didnt take a dime. That troubled the experts as much as the hack itself because it left them wondering why they went to all the trouble and didnt take any money. They could only assume they were taking information. They assumed the hackers valued the information more than billions of dollars.hope not dumb twucker Thanks this. -
4wayflashers and hope not dumb twucker Thank this.
-
4wayflashers and hope not dumb twucker Thank this.
-
Im not any kind of expert on cybersecurity and I’m not looking to get in a lengthy back and forth.
If youre not concerned about identity protection in 2024 then Im not going to try to convince anyone to take the 10 minutes to freeze your credit.tscottme Thanks this. -
Well, I'll tell ya', if anyone steals MY SS number, they better go back to crime school, there's much bigger fish to fry. It does happen, though, why, just the other day, my neighbor, with about as much as I have, said he got a notice from his bank saying all his credit was stolen. They got it from hospital records. Nice huh? Hey, cost of a modern society, and my late mom called it out 25 years ago. You people and your credit cards are going to be the death to this country. With a current credit card debt in the USA at $1.14 TRILLION, an increase over $928 Billion in 2022, she was right. Nothing we will be able to do will reverse that, and our system is destined to crumble.
Who wants ginger snaps?The_vett, 4wayflashers, hope not dumb twucker and 1 other person Thank this. -
There are millions of newcomers that need a SSN and a bank account.4wayflashers Thanks this.
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
Page 1 of 4