After doing multiple searches about what to do since the big ss# breach, you are the first person I have found who informed me that this can even be done. Thank you for the information!
You are an ANGEL and HERO for making this video! We can't thank you enough! Our own government should have sent out letters to everyone giving these instructions. Without you we would never know.
As per myE-verify: "Locking your SSN in myE-Verify will not prevent the use of your SSN for anything other than E-Verify and Self Check." That means that someone could still use your SSN to open a bank account or credit under your name, or even apply for a job if they can't find you in their employment records. So the value of this is questionable, don't assume that it will lock your SSN for everything that it's used for. Not sure if this was mentioned in the video but it should be!
It wasn't mentioned in the video explicitly. We weren't sure how a bank or credit union would check your SS number. We'd assume electronically and it'd go through some sort of government verification this would flag it.
This block will prevent an employer from being able to do an I-9 check when the SSN is used. To block credit cards and loans you will use the credit reporting agencies to freeze your credit reports
@@kenwilson9372 YES OMG THIS: "...use the credit reporting agencies to freeze your credit reports." That's how to stop identify thieves from getting what they want: MONEY where you will be the one who has to clean up the mess. GO TO EACH OF THE THREE BUREAUS and put on a FREE (by law) security freeze. Ignore their upsell efforts to paid plans.
I needed this more than anything!!! I have worried myself to death about ATT!!! Thank you ❤ It was EASY AND MY BRAIN IS COMPROMISED!!! Thank you so very much ❤ Now to our SOVEREIGNTY!!!
Wow that's a lot of steps. Thanks for going through all this for everyone. You guys do a great job helping people out with all this confusing bureaucracy. Thanks
I just did this. Thanks for the advice. But it protects only in limited circumstances. So that people don't get a false sense of security, they should know that this lock applies only to situations where an employer is required to use e-verify in the hiring process. Only 9 states require e-verify for all employers. Several more require it for only government employers.
E-Verify is built to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. So if someone is applying for a credit card and uses your social security number, or any non-employment application, you can still be a victim of identity theft.
Probably time for the government…all governments around the world really…to start over. It would take years, but new forms of ID with new numbers, built for the world we live in today, not 1950, is needed. What we use now is ridiculously insufficient and insecure.
TIP: Since my ex wife would know almost all of the security questions’ answers, I always use a fake last name for my mother’s maiden name. For example, I might use “Blue”as her maiden name. If my ex tried, she would NOT answer “Blue” so she couldn’t get in. I usually do this with two answers such as my first pets name. I would put BLUE in for that as well. So far, this has worked perfectly.
As a senior. I need an assistant just to keep up with all the user names and passwords for bank accounts, investment accounts, pension accounts, VA account, etc.
How can you protect your SSN when they were hacked a couple months ago???…it should be up to them SS, it protect us not us scampering cuz of a flawed system
@@JS-tr7oo i was referring to their lack of security, so when they got hacked that SS thinks we, you should do something about it. I’m not doing a god dam thing cuz it’s too late ….frankly I think SS should give us all new numbers and fix their security.
Question: I get how locking our SSNs will provide some financial protection, but will it also prevent us from using our SSN to do things like registering to vote, renew a passport, etc.? Also, BTW, it’s a good idea to lock your credit reports.
So many people may be a bit confused about that. You just sign in and lock it and just as easily unlock it when you expect something to come up that you need it open. then...lock it again. Just like credit cards now do.
@@brute_force_and_ignorance this might make us feel good but does nothing for identity theft or financial account theft. This for employment only says right on the about self lock page. Freeze your credit easy to do. Most important lock your phone number so they can’t steal it and take over your number by sim swapping. A real weakness of text 2FA
Thanks! I have been anguishing and desperately trying to find this excellent example of how to accomplish this. Now I'm asking myself whether I have what it takes to actually follow through with it, as I heard you say make a mistake and you're screwed. Still, I think your video is the best example I could ever possibly find.
Not sure if you've completed the process, but my best advice is to take a picture at any screen that asks information you need to enter to login and will need to remember. This information along with your credentials can be left with a loved one in the event it's needed but for whatever reason, you're no longer able to logon the site to lock/unlock
These agencies that require sensitive personal information should be held to a higher standard and required to have a high level of security to protect sensitive data.
Many thanks for sharing. ... Reading the USCIS terms of service gave me pause. All personal information/data is required at USCIS. They then say that data will be shared with 3rd party agencies. .. Decided to push it through, but, folks really need to read those terms of service.
@@SaddMoxxiee That's why in the video I said it'd be a problem. You're right. It's better to use your email and skip the cell number as back up. You'll have to give them one but make sure their verification is using the email.
@@SaddMoxxiee Sometimes we use a work around for things like Netflix or banks in situations like that. I put my daughter's mobile (she not out of country). Then when I need to get a code sent to me I call her and sit on the phone with her while they send the code to her instead of me and she tells me the code. I put the code in and keep going. Awkward, but it works.
Text messages also have 2 issues in using them. First, when you upgrade your phone, the technology in your phone changes and the text set up does not apply to that of the new phone....you have to reset it to the new phone. Second, if you have to change your phone number, you have to reset it to the new number. So long as you are aware, you also won't give any grief to the person who may have to assist you in that.
@laptopseniors most banks won't use e-mail as they don't see e-mail as secure. What I believe will often happen as we age is we (seniors) become complacent. I believe that platforms like yours remind us that we can't get complacent unless we want to invite trouble into our circle. Thank you for what you do for us!
All these gov agencies are not designed to serve people but to serve other corporations that can benefit from it, such as "paid subscription" to protect your credit.
Thanks for posting. Your SSN is tied to your immigration status (Visa - Permanent Resident or Citizen) which is probably what you need to secure with US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
I had my ID stolen in the late 80s, and I received a letter from the IRS that said I owed 27,000 taxes for my business in Texas. I'd never even been to Texas. It wasn't fun to get it straightened out. They wouldn't let me get a new SS# unless it had happened more than once. I don't ever want to go through that again. But the problem is, with so much of our information available online, its easier for it to happen. The old way was safer. So much for progess. Why is it all companies give you free credit protection for a couple years, but not Social Security. I think they should have to issue us all new numbers, too. They didn't protect us.
I agree. The government puts all of the responsability on us rather than the government but they are not there to protect and serve us. They are there to serve themselves.
Yes, thanks for the info. HOWEVER, I'm 79, not in the best health. When I die and my wife and/or family wants to apply for benefits. How can they do that if my SS number is locked. I'll have to write a step-by-step "book" to explain what to do. Is there a provision for that?
If you lock your SS number, how do your heirs deal with it after you die? Could it be a huge issue? Over time memory fades and you can't remember answers to questions; then what do you do.
I didn't hear this news but I got a notice from my cc that my ssn was on the dark web last month! Been trying to figure out how to freeze my ssn via experian...but they make it IMPOSSIBLE without paying a ton every month. Thanks for this video!
You can freeze your credit FOR FREE at all 3 companies. If you apply for mortgage or credit card you have to temporarily unlock. Ask which service they use and only unlock that one and remember to relock.
FYI: Due to extensive research and investigation, there have been no breaches at the Social Security Administration of social security numbers. There have been third party breaches of social security numbers from different organizations throughout the United States of America.
What a great video - very important - thanks! On the other hand, almost the same thing just happened in Oz with a bunch of personal info stolen. Any chance this is happening to 'encourage us' to want a digital id??
@@ADHJkvsNgsMBbTQe Difficult in current circumstances. .... Consider a scenario where the internet/grid is brought down/lost for, say, 3 weeks. System recovery would enable digital id being made mandatory. .... Non-compliance flips your switch. .. Out of the system. .. End of line.
Not when you are 75 years old with fading memories and little exposure to technology. This great video is helpful as far as that goes. We shall see once I try again.
Thank you for this information. What I don't get is the very place the social security doesn't already have our numbers locked. Come on now the social security administration the people that gave us the numbers and said we have to have them.
I HATE the identity quiz. They ask about which car you've owned (or not owned). I've owned so many different cars I can't keep track of them. In a few cases, I lived overseas and I had my mail forwarded to my brother's house a couple of times (and he had moved a few times). And of course, the quiz asks me and the address may be vaguely familiar....or not. I fail....at being me..... :(
One thing you should add, seeing how there are so many security questions: Do not put in the real answers, which Identity Thieves can now easily find, thanks to Facebook and data breaches. Pick a movie, book or TV show character and answer the questions for them, so the answers are not easily guessed.
I use the real answers but always add a few random characters in front of the real answer (always the same characters, so I know what they are but an imposter would not). For example, if the question is "What is the name of your first pet?" My answer might be "dg37Fido". "What is your first car?" "dg37Mustang", and so on. So even if someone knows Fido and Mustang, they would never know the prefix that I always use. (no, it's not dg37).
@@libbyd1001 I have a couple of words for the answers and I will use '2x' or '3x' to indicate how many times to repeat a given word: red3xblueorange2x, so the answer might be redredredblueorangorange. I'll admit I usually use only 2 of the words, though. I like your way too.
Thanks for this information. Unfortunately all the bad actors out, we need the added locks to prevent fraud. I froze all my credit agencies back in the early 2018. Only problem was applying for credit and the third parties were not reaching out to the agencies and kept asking me to extend the time periods.
Helpful video, thank you. At 13:23 in the video, when you wanted to "re-lock" again, WHICH three security questions did it ask you? The last 3 security questions in Step 14 of the protocol you provided after the "Manage my SSN" and "Lock my SSN" steps you've cited? Sorry, this wasn't clear to me. Thanks and looking forward to your answer. Cheers.
If you lock your SSN, why do you also need to lock the three credit reporting agencies? Surely, they will not be able to bring up your SSN as it is locked and therefore cannot run credit checks! Thank you for the information. This is a great help and puts my to rest a little more that no-one can do anything with my SSN.
Because this process merely looks it for eVerify, which is for immigration enforcement (hence USCIS = US Customs and Immigration Service), allowing employers to check if the holder of the SSN is authorized to work in the US because they are a citizen or hold a valid visa. Nothing to do with credit reporting agencies who get their information from other sources.
Thank you for saving the world. Very few videos and information on the subject. All the info is about freezing your credit which is a terrible way to go about it.
@@laptopseniors I actually followed your instructions and locked up my SS card last night. Yes, you need to go through all the steps but with a little patience and 15 minutes of work....ALL DONE. You really have saved humanity with this valuable information. My girlfriend was at SSA yesterday because of identity theft and that's what they advised her to do. I was actually watching your video while she was there and to my surprise when she came back.....that was the answer to the problem.I did it to protect myself and not fall a victim of stolen identity. Much easier to prevent it than try to correct it.
Was a bit disappointed, since e-verify is distinct from SSA, and there is a separate SSN lock that SSA supposedly provides, which would prevents your SS payments from getting diverted to a different address
Thanks. I was curious and looked all over the SSA site for 'lock' and got nothing. Locking payments would be great. I'll look. Maybe that's another video like this one.
@@laptopseniors You have to call the SSA to set up blocking. There’s two things that can be blocked e-Services and e-Deposits (I think those are the correct names). Blocking e-Services prevents anyone, including you, from accessing/changing your online social security account information. Blocking e-Deposit prevents anyone, including you, from changing you automatic deposit information. To unblock them, you have to call the SSA and go through some sort of verification that you are really you and then have the block removed. At least these are my understandings of how it works. I too looked for an online way to do it and didn’t find anything.
YES and everything else that's happening end time is here and more coming repent and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sin and ye shall be filled with the Holy Ghost. The Digital ID is leading to the RFID Chip in the hand already here. There moving inch by inch and little by little , called programming
Don’t save any pass codes or pass words on any device that can be accessed from an internet source such as Wi-Fi or other means worm their way into your pc or other electronic device connected to the internet. Write that code on a piece of paper, memorize the info and then eat the paper. 😮 Just kidding. 😅 But you must common sense and never save the most important information on an internet connected device.
Why is it that the Social Security office does not have the soft wear or have created the means, as the three Credit bureau companies have been designed and provided the means to put a freeze on one’s credit, for all, especially, for those whom have become victims of stolen identity and personal information, including Social Security number in every other information of ones identity is all over the dark web. It is very questionable, very, very suspicious 🤔
I would wonder if at the ss office they would just be typing in all of the data on their computer vs you typing it in on yours = no difference?? And since it's not ssa.gov vs uscis.gov they probably won't/can't do it.
@@laptopseniors It's a completely different agency, so probably not. This is locking the SSN for ONE specific purpose, employment eligibility, which is the domain of USCIS. It's not locking it for any other purpose, the fact that the identifier used is the SSN seems to be confusing people. This won't prevent someone getting credit with the SSN (lock the credit bureaus for that) submitting a false IRS return to try to get a refund (use an IRS PIN for that) etc.
I just went through the many many many steps, got to the lock my ssn screen and that is where things went downhill. Somehow things got balled up and I decided to just go log in again. Well, now it want's my user ID. I thought it was my email. I can only add 7 or so characters in the ID box! Now what? There is no way to contact them to try to figure it out.
It wasn’t Social Security themselves that were breached. It was a data broker that had a bunch of SSNs. Moreover, there are only about 400 million people in the US today, so there aren’t 2.9 billion people that could have their SSNs exposed. The 2.9 billion records that were exposed were only for about a hundred million people in the U.S. so, there’s about a one in four chance your SSN is one of those. If you can’t get the basic facts straight, how can we believe you about anything else?
Reston hospital in northern VA has a habit of losing social security cards routinely. No big deal for them. Their security laughed at me and said mine was just one in several. Is it a racket there or is it genuinely losing them? Who knows?
Itʻs a lot too late to be concerned about an SSN. I am shocked at the number of places that have mine and have very little security to protect. Often I am asked for the last 4 numbers of my SSN. I believe that U.S. Congress established a bill that became law that stated an SSN became your U.S. ID number. So almost anyone can ask for it. Everday people are asked that cookies be allowed to be put on computer, tablet or smart phone under the pretext of protecting oneʻs privacy. That is not protecting it. Thatʻs permission to use it. I am retired and DO NOT draw social security.
I like your video very good video. Very good information. Very easy to follow. I already got my account set up. I thank you for bringing that to my attention cause I never heard that Social Security was breached. I thank you for this video. I like it.
If a person has never set up an online social security account, would it be better to just not put all this data online because nothing is unhackable? Second question, if a person has a locked social security number, when it comes time to report the person as deceased, does one have to unlock it first?
SS is the first government entity to know of any death due to the filing of the death certificate by a hospital, coroner, body donation recipient, etc. You don't have to report to anyone other than local authorities, most of whom already know due to their involvement.
Can anyone in the know tell me if the credit report at Experian has to be unfrozen in order to pass the self ID verification quiz (step 12)? Was your credit report with that agency frozen or not when you took the quiz? I was informed by the help people at E-verify that our credit reports at Experian is what they use for the questions and answers in the quiz.
My credit reporting companies are both frozen/locked but the questions for verification still came through. So I don't think that matters, at least when I did it.
I have credit freezes on all three major credit reporting agencies and also Innovis. When I tried to do this lockdown process, it wouldn’t let me. System said it couldn’t identify me. Unfortunately, I didn’t note the exact verbiage of the error message nor the exact stage of the process it occurred at.
@@rpm3605 Yeah, that's the worst. I've gotten that over the years for various govt things for questions that i just have no idea what they're asking. Usually, I just try again later and different questions may come up or just know that the one you answered that you got wrong...pick a different answer. But if there's multiple wrong answers you're stumped on, you probably can't use this system.
@@laptopseniors That's been my issue, time after time, been locked out of the verification process for over 2 weeks now. When you get locked out you have to wait for 3 days before you can try again. Nothing seems to work, some of the questions don't even come from the credit report, it's like they pull the questions and answers out of their a_s. Been dealing with E-verify and Experian trying to figure out what is wrong, they keep passing the blame back and forth. An ill conceived system to say the least. Having to deal with two government agencies (E-verify and USCIS) that have nothing to do with the Social Security Administration just to put a lock on your SSN with dubious benefit. Just another example of the red tape bureaucracratic nightmare we have in this country.
I don't use an online account with SSA, I call or go in for teleconference in our area...so I closed any online access through the SSA. I did this as soon as I heard about the breach..they didn't really want to do it because it makes it a little more information they have to gather from me when I do call them but no one can create an online profile for me or use my number because they can't verify it's me. Probably not fail proof ( because the crooks just keep trying) but if you can't verify that the number (the employer) belongs to (fake employee) by having an closed access to the account...they can't use it
"We all need to do this" ??...not really .. it won't work if ur a US Citizen w/ a valid SSN and permanently living overseas. One easy example of this is --> U won't get past the part where u have to enter the STATE u live in, bcuz it won't give u the option to choose, not even ur current country of residence. I been through this w/ other myssa [type] .gov sites. Also, overseas phone #'s and text messages didn't work 4 me. This appears to apply 2 ppl ONLY in the US states...and 4 employment issue anyway.
i heard myE-verify has just been hacked "just kidding" but every time we think we fixed something computery it come's right back and kicks us in the a** whats that saying hal 9000 in space odyssey 2001 said just before the end of the movie "I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that" and the computer was not malfunctioning .....AI is coming around the corner people......
Thanks for posting. If you already have a "My SS" account thru SSA gov, (which I check regularly) wouldn't you be able to see what's getting reported for income and anything suspicious? My concern is locking SS# and still needing to report income in order to get credit or if I need a loan or credit card.
e-verify is specifically intended for employment elegibility verification and does not affect SS income taxes or even IRS taxes. In fact, you should get an IRS PIN for filing income taxes to prevent someone from trying to get a fraudulent refund using your SSN to file. Moreover, e-verify SSN lock is separate from credit locking or freezing, which you have to do through the 3 major credit bureaus. Chexsystems is yet another bureau that deals with bank accounts and you have to have a separate lock with them.
You could see activity on your SS site but this way they email you rather than you checking in. As for the locking it. So many people may be a bit confused about that. You just sign in and lock it and just as easily unlock it when you expect something to come up that you need it open. then...lock it again. Just like credit cards now do.
I went onto e-verify and completed everything.... then I logged out and wanted to log back in to check it.. and it tells me my PW is wrong, so i reset it three times already still doesn't let me log in.. I am so frustrated.. then i try to do the communicate options to send them an online communication and nothing happens .... UDATE.... IT LET ME LOG IN AFTER A HALF AN HOUR... however, I do NOT see anything to manage the lock to UNLOCK it now... so I am baffled..... BUT I APPRECIATE YOUR VIDEO thank you, I'll try to figure it out... I've logged out an in several times and still no option to UNlock it after locking it.
Good video, but u should preface it with a nod to those who have already taken the step of locking the credit agencies from releasing info on you. That process is lengthy to complete, and lengthy to reverse. Where does someone whonjas already done this fit into your I formation, please? I'd think it would be impossible to "break" that lock from the gov site u specify, at least I certainly HOPE so...
Yes! But that is our world today. My old brain just cannot do this and it gets more and more faded and unable by the day. I have no one to help or care for me that I can trust as I age so what am I supposed to do? I am on the doorstep of dementia.
After doing multiple searches about what to do since the big ss# breach, you are the first person I have found who informed me that this can even be done. Thank you for the information!
Call your ss office I did and they said it can't be done. Look into it before listening to what people say. Do your research
You are an ANGEL and HERO for making this video! We can't thank you enough! Our own government should have sent out letters to everyone giving these instructions. Without you we would never know.
As per myE-verify: "Locking your SSN in myE-Verify will not prevent the use of your SSN for anything other than E-Verify and Self Check." That means that someone could still use your SSN to open a bank account or credit under your name, or even apply for a job if they can't find you in their employment records. So the value of this is questionable, don't assume that it will lock your SSN for everything that it's used for. Not sure if this was mentioned in the video but it should be!
It wasn't mentioned in the video explicitly. We weren't sure how a bank or credit union would check your SS number. We'd assume electronically and it'd go through some sort of government verification this would flag it.
This block will prevent an employer from being able to do an I-9 check when the SSN is used. To block credit cards and loans you will use the credit reporting agencies to freeze your credit reports
Assume?? Well, more uselessness!!!!!!!
@@IgStu Not really. This was specifically to lock your number for e-verify runs. That's what it does. It's not going to be a catch all for everything.
@@kenwilson9372 YES OMG THIS: "...use the credit reporting agencies to freeze your credit reports." That's how to stop identify thieves from getting what they want: MONEY where you will be the one who has to clean up the mess. GO TO EACH OF THE THREE BUREAUS and put on a FREE (by law) security freeze. Ignore their upsell efforts to paid plans.
I needed this more than anything!!! I have worried myself to death about ATT!!! Thank you ❤ It was EASY AND MY BRAIN IS COMPROMISED!!! Thank you so very much ❤
Now to our SOVEREIGNTY!!!
One of the best videos I've seen in long time online! Took a bit but I was able to lock SSN down and ALL three credit reporting agencies. Thank You!!
Don't forget to get a lock with Chexsystems AND get a PIN from IRS for filing taxes!
credit cards ive blocked for years
Wow that's a lot of steps. Thanks for going through all this for everyone. You guys do a great job helping people out with all this confusing bureaucracy. Thanks
Never knew this was available.. and I would have felt a lot better had I known before the 'big breach'.. thank you so much!
I just did this. Thanks for the advice. But it protects only in limited circumstances. So that people don't get a false sense of security, they should know that this lock applies only to situations where an employer is required to use e-verify in the hiring process. Only 9 states require e-verify for all employers. Several more require it for only government employers.
I did not know this and I thank you for this valuable information
I'm not educated, only third grade plus i'm in my 80's, but i found this very easy. THANK-YOU.
E-Verify is built to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. So if someone is applying for a credit card and uses your social security number, or any non-employment application, you can still be a victim of identity theft.
Oh sucks
Thank you for this video, it’s very informative. I just finished locking my SSN.
Great info. Received a SSN data breach letter yesterday and followed your advice. Thank you very much Sir.
Be sure to also, avail yourself of the breach protections offered to you based on the breach. No point in not taking all the precautions you can.
Thanks!
I’ve been wanting to do this, after having locked/froze my credit bureaus information.
This has been very helpful!!
Never thought about locking my SSN - and didn't know there was a way to do it! Thanks for the info and instructions!
Probably time for the government…all governments around the world really…to start over. It would take years, but new forms of ID with new numbers, built for the world we live in today, not 1950, is needed. What we use now is ridiculously insufficient and insecure.
That's what I said. Lol. Everyone should just start over😂
Governments can't even secure their own systems. How would a new system created by an inept government do anything other than create more confusion?
TIP: Since my ex wife would know almost all of the security questions’ answers, I always use a fake last name for my mother’s maiden name. For example, I might use “Blue”as her maiden name. If my ex tried, she would NOT answer “Blue” so she couldn’t get in. I usually do this with two answers such as my first pets name. I would put BLUE in for that as well. So far, this has worked perfectly.
…or use the correct name, just spell it backwards…
I do that as well.
Great job sir… in this technology driven world we have to protect our SSN, great information… now we have to worry about this site being hacked…😂
Thank you so much, I just did mine. I am 72 and Retired.
You better look at the comments. Apparently this doesn't completely lock your number, contrary to what he says at the beginning.
this is the most useful video I found so far on youtube. thank you so much Sir for your selfless contribution!
Thanks so much for letting us know about this, and how to do it. It seems to be a best kept secret, I haven't heard about it all before now. Thanks!
As a senior. I need an assistant just to keep up with all the user names and passwords for bank accounts, investment accounts, pension accounts, VA account, etc.
How can you protect your SSN when they were hacked a couple months ago???…it should be up to them SS, it protect us not us scampering cuz of a flawed system
Yes, that's how you know this is all intentionally happening!
@cultytalk you are right it's on purpose so they can Steal your money and pretend you were hacked but it's really them
If you rely on the government to rescue you, you will be sadly shocked and not receive any help at all. Do NOT be so innocent and naiive!
@@JS-tr7oo i was referring to their lack of security, so when they got hacked that SS thinks we, you should do something about it. I’m not doing a god dam thing cuz it’s too late ….frankly I think SS should give us all new numbers and fix their security.
Question: I get how locking our SSNs will provide some financial protection, but will it also prevent us from using our SSN to do things like registering to vote, renew a passport, etc.? Also, BTW, it’s a good idea to lock your credit reports.
E-verify is specifically for employment elegibility verification
So many people may be a bit confused about that. You just sign in and lock it and just as easily unlock it when you expect something to come up that you need it open. then...lock it again. Just like credit cards now do.
@@brute_force_and_ignorance this might make us feel good but does nothing for identity theft or financial account theft. This for employment only says right on the about self lock page. Freeze your credit easy to do. Most important lock your phone number so they can’t steal it and take over your number by sim swapping. A real weakness of text 2FA
Thanks! I have been anguishing and desperately trying to find this excellent example of how to accomplish this. Now I'm asking myself whether I have what it takes to actually follow through with it, as I heard you say make a mistake and you're screwed.
Still, I think your video is the best example I could ever possibly find.
Not sure if you've completed the process, but my best advice is to take a picture at any screen that asks information you need to enter to login and will need to remember. This information along with your credentials can be left with a loved one in the event it's needed but for whatever reason, you're no longer able to logon the site to lock/unlock
These agencies that require sensitive personal information should be held to a higher standard and required to have a high level of security to protect sensitive data.
I think it would be easier to add a pin number to our social security number, and add a second verification via email or text.
So what?
Patrick, Even though Viv wasn't on this video we want you both to know that we love you guys! Thank you so much!
Many thanks for sharing. ... Reading the USCIS terms of service gave me pause. All personal information/data is required at USCIS. They then say that data will be shared with 3rd party agencies. .. Decided to push it through, but, folks really need to read those terms of service.
You're right. Sharing is always a concern, although they likely do it already.
Retired in another country, so how do you enter another countries' cell phone number?
The NSA already knows every single thing about every one of us anyway.
@@SaddMoxxiee That's why in the video I said it'd be a problem. You're right. It's better to use your email and skip the cell number as back up. You'll have to give them one but make sure their verification is using the email.
@@SaddMoxxiee Sometimes we use a work around for things like Netflix or banks in situations like that. I put my daughter's mobile (she not out of country). Then when I need to get a code sent to me I call her and sit on the phone with her while they send the code to her instead of me and she tells me the code. I put the code in and keep going. Awkward, but it works.
Text messages also have 2 issues in using them. First, when you upgrade your phone, the technology in your phone changes and the text set up does not apply to that of the new phone....you have to reset it to the new phone. Second, if you have to change your phone number, you have to reset it to the new number. So long as you are aware, you also won't give any grief to the person who may have to assist you in that.
That's why I was leaning email verification. You rarely change those if they're personal.
@laptopseniors most banks won't use e-mail as they don't see e-mail as secure. What I believe will often happen as we age is we (seniors) become complacent. I believe that platforms like yours remind us that we can't get complacent unless we want to invite trouble into our circle. Thank you for what you do for us!
that is what the back up code is for
*Thanks so much. I had no idea locking our SSN was even an option.*
All these gov agencies are not designed to serve people but to serve other corporations that can benefit from it, such as "paid subscription" to protect your credit.
Thanks for posting. Your SSN is tied to your immigration status (Visa - Permanent Resident or Citizen) which is probably what you need to secure with US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
e-verify is just for employment purposes.
I had my ID stolen in the late 80s, and I received a letter from the IRS that said I owed 27,000 taxes for my business in Texas.
I'd never even been to Texas. It wasn't fun to get it straightened out. They wouldn't let me get a new SS# unless it had happened more than once.
I don't ever want to go through that again. But the problem is, with so much of our information available online, its easier for it to happen. The old way was safer. So much for progess.
Why is it all companies give you free credit protection for a couple years, but not Social Security.
I think they should have to issue us all new numbers, too.
They didn't protect us.
I agree. The government puts all of the responsability on us rather than the government but they are not there to protect and serve us. They are there to serve themselves.
worked great , thank you for that valuable information, by the way you should also lock all 3 credit bureaus
Very helpful, thank i did it and lock mine thanks so much.
Yes, thanks for the info. HOWEVER, I'm 79, not in the best health. When I die and my wife and/or family wants to apply for benefits. How can they do that if my SS number is locked. I'll have to write a step-by-step "book" to explain what to do. Is there a provision for that?
Everyone should also freeze their credit files with the three credit reporting agencies, to prevent anyone from opening credit in their name.
Thanks for watching and your comment. We appreciate you.
If you lock your SS number, how do your heirs deal with it after you die? Could it be a huge issue? Over time memory fades and you can't remember answers to questions; then what do you do.
That's why you write it down and make sure they know where it is
Lock your SSN to protect you from being hacked for employment or financial purposes. Your heirs would not need to use for those purposes once you die.
Great video and information. I was just a victim of ID theft and the dumb ass SS website never mentioned this that I saw when I reported it there.
I don't think I would do this, it does not seem to really cover or protect you from being compromised.
Great job breaking the process down.
I didn't hear this news but I got a notice from my cc that my ssn was on the dark web last month!
Been trying to figure out how to freeze my ssn via experian...but they make it IMPOSSIBLE without paying a ton every month.
Thanks for this video!
You can freeze your credit FOR FREE at all 3 companies. If you apply for mortgage or credit card you have to temporarily unlock. Ask which service they use and only unlock that one and remember to relock.
@@6chex thank you!! Will do! I was hoping to do it online..but the option is hidden or something. I'll have to call (shudder!) Lol
FYI: Due to extensive research and investigation, there have been no breaches at the Social Security Administration of social security numbers. There have been third party breaches of social security numbers from different organizations throughout the United States of America.
I found this to be true also, the SS Administration has not had a data breach
Super important. Did not know this. Thank you!!
What a great video - very important - thanks! On the other hand, almost the same thing just happened in Oz with a bunch of personal info stolen. Any chance this is happening to 'encourage us' to want a digital id??
That's coming in any event. Encouraged or otherwise. ... This agency/procedure at least 'locks' your SS# so someone doesn't kidnap your identity.
No chance at all. They’re not that organized, respectfully submitted.
@@ADHJkvsNgsMBbTQe Difficult in current circumstances. .... Consider a scenario where the internet/grid is brought down/lost for, say, 3 weeks. System recovery would enable digital id being made mandatory. .... Non-compliance flips your switch. .. Out of the system. .. End of line.
@@ADHJkvsNgsMBbTQe ... agree
@@pnwoods oh sure
Thank you! The process was exactly as you describe and very easy to accomplish.
Not when you are 75 years old with fading memories and little exposure to technology. This great video is helpful as far as that goes. We shall see once I try again.
Thank you for this information. What I don't get is the very place the social security doesn't already have our numbers locked. Come on now the social security administration the people that gave us the numbers and said we have to have them.
Oh great. I m Canadian but no doubt this is happening here as well.
Good content n very informative.💕Ty for sharing n helping our fellow Seniors protect our personal information subscribed.😊
I HATE the identity quiz. They ask about which car you've owned (or not owned). I've owned so many different cars I can't keep track of them. In a few cases, I lived overseas and I had my mail forwarded to my brother's house a couple of times (and he had moved a few times). And of course, the quiz asks me and the address may be vaguely familiar....or not. I fail....at being me..... :(
Why would you trust this after ss breached
One thing you should add, seeing how there are so many security questions: Do not put in the real answers, which Identity Thieves can now easily find, thanks to Facebook and data breaches. Pick a movie, book or TV show character and answer the questions for them, so the answers are not easily guessed.
I use the real answers but always add a few random characters in front of the real answer (always the same characters, so I know what they are but an imposter would not). For example, if the question is "What is the name of your first pet?" My answer might be "dg37Fido".
"What is your first car?" "dg37Mustang", and so on. So even if someone knows Fido and Mustang, they would never know the prefix that I always use. (no, it's not dg37).
@@libbyd1001 I have a couple of words for the answers and I will use '2x' or '3x' to indicate how many times to repeat a given word: red3xblueorange2x, so the answer might be redredredblueorangorange. I'll admit I usually use only 2 of the words, though. I like your way too.
Thanks for this information. Unfortunately all the bad actors out, we need the added locks to prevent fraud. I froze all my credit agencies back in the early 2018. Only problem was applying for credit and the third parties were not reaching out to the agencies and kept asking me to extend the time periods.
Thanks so much for the great information. I completed the process in just a few minutes.
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for this video.
When i tried this they wanted me to send a copy of my drivers license as well…i stopped there and didn’t complete
Helpful video, thank you. At 13:23 in the video, when you wanted to "re-lock" again, WHICH three security questions did it ask you? The last 3 security questions in Step 14 of the protocol you provided after the "Manage my SSN" and "Lock my SSN" steps you've cited? Sorry, this wasn't clear to me. Thanks and looking forward to your answer. Cheers.
If you lock your SSN, why do you also need to lock the three credit reporting agencies? Surely, they will not be able to bring up your SSN as it is locked and therefore cannot run credit checks! Thank you for the information. This is a great help and puts my to rest a little more that no-one can do anything with my SSN.
Because this process merely looks it for eVerify, which is for immigration enforcement (hence USCIS = US Customs and Immigration Service), allowing employers to check if the holder of the SSN is authorized to work in the US because they are a citizen or hold a valid visa. Nothing to do with credit reporting agencies who get their information from other sources.
@silver6054 Thanks for the information.
Thank you for saving the world. Very few videos and information on the subject. All the info is about freezing your credit which is a terrible way to go about it.
Thanks, Ted. We appreciate your support more than you know. 😃
@@laptopseniors I actually followed your instructions and locked up my SS card last night. Yes, you need to go through all the steps but with a little patience and 15 minutes of work....ALL DONE.
You really have saved humanity with this valuable information. My girlfriend was at SSA yesterday because of identity theft and that's what they advised her to do. I was actually watching your video while she was there and to my surprise when she came back.....that was the answer to the problem.I did it to protect myself and not fall a victim of stolen identity. Much easier to prevent it than try to correct it.
Was a bit disappointed, since e-verify is distinct from SSA, and there is a separate SSN lock that SSA supposedly provides, which would prevents your SS payments from getting diverted to a different address
Thanks. I was curious and looked all over the SSA site for 'lock' and got nothing. Locking payments would be great. I'll look. Maybe that's another video like this one.
@@laptopseniors You have to call the SSA to set up blocking. There’s two things that can be blocked e-Services and e-Deposits (I think those are the correct names). Blocking e-Services prevents anyone, including you, from accessing/changing your online social security account information. Blocking e-Deposit prevents anyone, including you, from changing you automatic deposit information. To unblock them, you have to call the SSA and go through some sort of verification that you are really you and then have the block removed. At least these are my understandings of how it works. I too looked for an online way to do it and didn’t find anything.
Was this breach done intentionally in-order to make the introduction of Digital ID more appealing.
YES and everything else that's happening end time is here and more coming repent and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
for the remission of sin and ye shall be filled with the Holy Ghost. The Digital ID is leading to the RFID Chip in the hand already here. There
moving inch by inch and little by little , called programming
100%
What happens when uscis is breached?!! Seriously. Ugh
Good point.
Don’t save any pass codes or pass words on any device that can be accessed from an internet source such as Wi-Fi or other means worm their way into your pc or other electronic device connected to the internet.
Write that code on a piece of paper, memorize the info and then eat the paper. 😮
Just kidding. 😅
But you must common sense and never save the most important information on an internet connected device.
Thank you for giving such wonder details on how to lock up our SS number!!
Why is it that the Social Security office does not have the soft wear or have created the means, as the three Credit bureau companies have been designed and provided the means to put a freeze on one’s credit, for all, especially, for those whom have become victims of stolen identity and personal information, including Social Security number in every other information of ones identity is all over the dark web.
It is very questionable, very, very suspicious 🤔
I shop online, I NEVER bank online, nor would I do this online. Can it be done at a ss office? By phone?
Not sure. Probably, but the lines are LONG at SS offices.
I would wonder if at the ss office they would just be typing in all of the data on their computer vs you typing it in on yours = no difference?? And since it's not ssa.gov vs uscis.gov they probably won't/can't do it.
@@fanofthefade the difference is there's a greater chance that social security's computers are more secure than mine, even though they had a breach.
@@laptopseniors It's a completely different agency, so probably not. This is locking the SSN for ONE specific purpose, employment eligibility, which is the domain of USCIS. It's not locking it for any other purpose, the fact that the identifier used is the SSN seems to be confusing people. This won't prevent someone getting credit with the SSN (lock the credit bureaus for that) submitting a false IRS return to try to get a refund (use an IRS PIN for that) etc.
I just went through the many many many steps, got to the lock my ssn screen and that is where things went downhill. Somehow things got balled up and I decided to just go log in again. Well, now it want's my user ID. I thought it was my email. I can only add 7 or so characters in the ID box! Now what? There is no way to contact them to try to figure it out.
It wasn’t Social Security themselves that were breached. It was a data broker that had a bunch of SSNs. Moreover, there are only about 400 million people in the US today, so there aren’t 2.9 billion people that could have their SSNs exposed. The 2.9 billion records that were exposed were only for about a hundred million people in the U.S. so, there’s about a one in four chance your SSN is one of those.
If you can’t get the basic facts straight, how can we believe you about anything else?
Reston hospital in northern VA has a habit of losing social security cards routinely. No big deal for them. Their security laughed at me and said mine was just one in several. Is it a racket there or is it genuinely losing them? Who knows?
Thank you very much.
Sorry sir, but where or how did you come across this information?
Heard it on the radio on a talk show where the guy was explaining that you can do it. So, we went to the site and took it from there.
Itʻs a lot too late to be concerned about an SSN. I am shocked at the number of places that have mine and have very little security to protect. Often I am asked for the last 4 numbers of my SSN. I believe that U.S. Congress established a bill that became law that stated an SSN became your U.S. ID number. So almost anyone can ask for it. Everday people are asked that cookies be allowed to be put on computer, tablet or smart phone under the pretext of protecting oneʻs privacy. That is not protecting it. Thatʻs permission to use it. I am retired and DO NOT draw social security.
So, having my SS on the dark web, would locking my card be the right move to do?
Same here. It's already out there on the dark web. Can we still l9ck out numbers??
Hi Pat. Yes lock it and only unlock it temporarily when you expect a credit check ✅
Great information and video. Thank you!
I like your video very good video. Very good information. Very easy to follow. I already got my account set up. I thank you for bringing that to my attention cause I never heard that Social Security was breached. I thank you for this video. I like it.
If a person has never set up an online social security account, would it be better to just not put all this data online because nothing is unhackable? Second question, if a person has a locked social security number, when it comes time to report the person as deceased, does one have to unlock it first?
SS is the first government entity to know of any death due to the filing of the death certificate by a hospital, coroner, body donation recipient, etc. You don't have to report to anyone other than local authorities, most of whom already know due to their involvement.
Having recently retired, and signed up for medicare, but not yet collecting ss, I had to create a login/password on ssa.gov.
Can anyone in the know tell me if the credit report at Experian has to be unfrozen in order to pass the self ID verification quiz (step 12)? Was your credit report with that agency frozen or not when you took the quiz? I was informed by the help people at E-verify that our credit reports at Experian is what they use for the questions and answers in the quiz.
My credit reporting companies are both frozen/locked but the questions for verification still came through. So I don't think that matters, at least when I did it.
I have credit freezes on all three major credit reporting agencies and also Innovis. When I tried to do this lockdown process, it wouldn’t let me. System said it couldn’t identify me. Unfortunately, I didn’t note the exact verbiage of the error message nor the exact stage of the process it occurred at.
@@rpm3605 Yeah, that's the worst. I've gotten that over the years for various govt things for questions that i just have no idea what they're asking. Usually, I just try again later and different questions may come up or just know that the one you answered that you got wrong...pick a different answer. But if there's multiple wrong answers you're stumped on, you probably can't use this system.
@@laptopseniors That's been my issue, time after time, been locked out of the verification process for over 2 weeks now. When you get locked out you have to wait for 3 days before you can try again. Nothing seems to work, some of the questions don't even come from the credit report, it's like they pull the questions and answers out of their a_s. Been dealing with E-verify and Experian trying to figure out what is wrong, they keep passing the blame back and forth. An ill conceived system to say the least. Having to deal with two government agencies (E-verify and USCIS) that have nothing to do with the Social Security Administration just to put a lock on your SSN with dubious benefit. Just another example of the red tape bureaucracratic nightmare we have in this country.
Would this apply if you are over 75?
Done - thank you!
I don't use an online account with SSA, I call or go in for teleconference in our area...so I closed any online access through the SSA. I did this as soon as I heard about the breach..they didn't really want to do it because it makes it a little more information they have to gather from me when I do call them but no one can create an online profile for me or use my number because they can't verify it's me. Probably not fail proof ( because the crooks just keep trying) but if you can't verify that the number (the employer) belongs to (fake employee) by having an closed access to the account...they can't use it
Why don’t come out with a pin number for Social Security number?
If you lock it will there be any problems for me in recieving checks or stimulus or doing my own taxes?
How far back does the personal info go back to?
Where do you get this information from all the social security numbers??
They got it all!
We all need to do this, but it sure isn’t senior friendly. I may never be able to unlock it if I need to.
"We all need to do this" ??...not really .. it won't work if ur a US Citizen w/ a valid SSN and permanently living overseas. One easy example of this is --> U won't get past the part where u have to enter the STATE u live in, bcuz it won't give u the option to choose, not even ur current country of residence. I been through this w/ other myssa [type] .gov sites. Also, overseas phone #'s and text messages didn't work 4 me.
This appears to apply 2 ppl ONLY in the US states...and 4 employment issue anyway.
this site for Canadians also ?
No....just for US Social Security. We'll check to see if ServiceCanada has something similar. I don't think they do yet.
i heard myE-verify has just been hacked "just kidding" but every time we think we fixed something computery it come's right back and kicks us in the a** whats that saying hal 9000 in space odyssey 2001 said just before the end of the movie "I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that" and the computer was not malfunctioning .....AI is coming around the corner people......
Thanks for posting. If you already have a "My SS" account thru SSA gov, (which I check regularly) wouldn't you be able to see what's getting reported for income and anything suspicious? My concern is locking SS# and still needing to report income in order to get credit or if I need a loan or credit card.
e-verify is specifically intended for employment elegibility verification and does not affect SS income taxes or even IRS taxes. In fact, you should get an IRS PIN for filing income taxes to prevent someone from trying to get a fraudulent refund using your SSN to file.
Moreover, e-verify SSN lock is separate from credit locking or freezing, which you have to do through the 3 major credit bureaus. Chexsystems is yet another bureau that deals with bank accounts and you have to have a separate lock with them.
You could see activity on your SS site but this way they email you rather than you checking in. As for the locking it. So many people may be a bit confused about that. You just sign in and lock it and just as easily unlock it when you expect something to come up that you need it open. then...lock it again. Just like credit cards now do.
I went onto e-verify and completed everything.... then I logged out and wanted to log back in to check it.. and it tells me my PW is wrong, so i reset it three times already still doesn't let me log in.. I am so frustrated.. then i try to do the communicate options to send them an online communication and nothing happens .... UDATE.... IT LET ME LOG IN AFTER A HALF AN HOUR... however, I do NOT see anything to manage the lock to UNLOCK it now... so I am baffled..... BUT I APPRECIATE YOUR VIDEO thank you, I'll try to figure it out... I've logged out an in several times and still no option to UNlock it after locking it.
at 4:00 he says you will be totally safe. incorrect
Thanks!
Our pleasure, Michelle.
Thanks to China for the progress (although slow) in replacing coal with solar.
As I was watching this I called the social security office and the lady told me you could not lock your ss# she never heard of that. 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🙄🙄🙄🙄
Sounds nice, until that site gets hacked. But then they have ALL your information.
OMG 😆 Bob! Everything digital is vulnerable , isn’t it?
@@laptopseniors By design I think.
Good video, but u should preface it with a nod to those who have already taken the step of locking the credit agencies from releasing info on you. That process is lengthy to complete, and lengthy to reverse. Where does someone whonjas already done this fit into your I formation, please? I'd think it would be impossible to "break" that lock from the gov site u specify, at least I certainly HOPE so...
i had a coworker that happened to 10 years ago.
Thanks for sharing.
Waaaaaaay... too complicated!!!!!
Yes! But that is our world today. My old brain just cannot do this and it gets more and more faded and unable by the day. I have no one to help or care for me that I can trust as I age so what am I supposed to do? I am on the doorstep of dementia.
50 years too late