In a perfect world, important personal information, like your Social Security number, stays confidential and secure at all times. But accidents and data breaches happen. These events can compromise your Social Security number, opening it up to potential fraud or theft.
In December, the Social Security numbers of over 35,000 PayPal users were stolen in a cyberattack, leaving critical personal information in the hands of cyber hackers and thieves.
These sorts of hacks happen frequently, and in their aftermath, identity theft can have a long-lasting impact on a person’s credit score.
But just because it’s a constant threat doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to protect yourself. Here’s how to keep your personal information safe and what to do if your Social Security number has been stolen.
For more on Social Security, here’s when you can expect your January Social Security check to arrive in the mail and whether you need to file a tax return if you receive…
