How to Check If Your Social Security Number Was Leaked

Beginner Time: 10 minutes Category: Identity Protection

Your Social Security number is the master key to your financial identity. If it has been exposed in a data breach, criminals can use it to open credit accounts, file fraudulent tax returns, and commit medical identity theft. Checking whether your SSN has been leaked is fast and free.

Why This Matters

The 2024 National Public Data breach exposed approximately 2.9 billion records, including Social Security numbers for a significant portion of US adults. Unlike a password, you cannot simply change your SSN. Once it is out there, it can be used indefinitely. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, SSN exposure is linked to the highest rates of financial fraud because it is the key credential used to open new accounts and verify identity. Knowing whether your SSN has been compromised allows you to take protective steps before a thief acts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Visit https://haveibeenpwned.com/ and enter your primary email address. Review the list of breaches you appear in. Look specifically for breaches that note "Social Security numbers" in the compromised data types.
  2. Check the Pentester.com NPD breach checker at https://npd.pentester.com/, which was created specifically to check the 2024 National Public Data breach. Enter your name, state, and birth year to see if your record was included.
  3. Sign up for free SSN monitoring through your bank, credit card issuer, or a service like Credit Karma. Many financial institutions now offer dark web monitoring that specifically watches for your SSN.
  4. Request your free annual credit reports at https://www.annualcreditreport.com/ from all three bureaus. Review them carefully for any accounts or inquiries you do not recognize.
  5. Check your Social Security Statement at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ to verify that your reported earnings match your actual employment history. Unexplained earnings could indicate someone is using your SSN for employment fraud.
  6. If you find evidence of exposure, immediately freeze your credit at all three bureaus and file an identity theft report at https://www.identitytheft.gov/.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Assuming no news means no breach: Many breaches go undetected for months or years. Just because you have not received a notification does not mean your SSN is safe.
  • Using sketchy "dark web scan" services: Stick to reputable services. Many "free dark web scan" ads are phishing attempts designed to collect your personal information.
  • Panicking and doing nothing: Learning your SSN is exposed is alarming, but the important thing is to take action: freeze your credit, set up monitoring, and report fraud.
  • Only checking one source: No single database has every breach. Check multiple reputable sources for a fuller picture.

Additional Tips

  • Set up an IRS Identity Protection PIN at https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin to prevent fraudulent tax filings in your name.
  • Consider placing a fraud alert (free, lasts one year) with one bureau while you get your credit freeze set up. The one bureau you contact is required to notify the other two.
  • Keep a record of which breaches your information appeared in, as this documentation can be useful if you need to dispute fraudulent accounts later.

Last updated: February 10, 2026