Social Security number

A scammer impersonating Chase and Experian called the user, correctly identifying their name and last four digits of their Social Security Number. The scammer transferred calls between departments and used aggressive tactics before the user hung up during a Zoom meeting. The user received multiple calls from different area codes, including one from their home area code.

A class action lawsuit was filed in Illinois federal court against Abbott Laboratories and its subsidiary Exact Sciences over a data breach involving unauthorized access to patient information. The breach, attributed to cybercriminal group ShinyHunters via a voice phishing attack, exposed sensitive data including Social Security numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses from at-home cancer screening tests.

A person reports unauthorized accounts opened in their name using their personal email, with each account linked to different addresses in another state. They have frozen their credit and filed identity theft reports, but are confused why the perpetrator uses their email. Customer service confirmed a savings account required their Social Security Number.

A person fell victim to an AT&T scam by providing personal information, including their full name, address, a four-digit PIN, and the last four digits of their SSN. After realizing the scam, they changed their debit card PIN, froze their debit card, and froze their credit to prevent unauthorized activity.

A person received a suspicious call from an individual claiming to be from their company's HR department, requesting sensitive personal information. The caller used a robocall number and attempted to obtain the individual's date of birth and last six digits of their Social Security Number, which the person refused to provide over the phone.

The Trump administration launched 'Trump Accounts,' a federal savings program for eligible newborns, offering $1,000 investment accounts. The initiative targets children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, aligning with America’s 250th anniversary. Qualifying children must have a Social Security number and be under 18.

The Federal Trade Commission warns that scammers are targeting individuals previously victimized by fraud, using fake recovery offers and agency badges to extract more money. The Identity Theft Resource Center's 2026 report highlights that 25.6% of identity crime victims manage multiple incidents, while 62.1% of attempted identity misuse involves new account applications. Scammers maintain 'sucker lists' of victim data, enabling repeat targeting, and stolen Social Security numbers remain vulnerable to long-term fraud due to their irreplaceable nature.

A Mesa woman's Medicaid coverage was jeopardized after someone used her Social Security number to report fake income from an oil field job in Texas. Corina, who has been on disability since 1999, filed police and federal reports but struggled with bureaucratic hurdles to prove her identity theft until media intervention secured her benefits.

A US individual fell victim to a Chinese police impersonation scam, being tricked into downloading the Tencent Zoom app 'Voov' and allowing 24/7 surveillance on their devices. The scammer accessed financial information, passport, and social security numbers, but the victim mitigated risks by freezing credit, canceling a loan, and reporting to IC3 and the FBI. The victim is concerned about device security despite wiping their PC and ending surveillance.

A Wells Fargo customer received a suspicious email via Wix claiming a missing document for an unapplied small business credit card. The message prompted a call to a number linked to an automated system requesting an application number or social security number, which the user identified as a potential scam.

A user reports being scammed after sharing personal information, including a driver's license, pay stubs, and bank account details, with a landlord requesting a 'reservation fee'. The scammer obtained the user's email, phone number, and last four bank account digits, though the Social Security Number remains secure. The user is seeking advice on next steps.

A Southern California teacher recounted her ordeal after her identity was stolen by a thief who obtained her social security number and a copy of her birth certificate. Experts provided tips for victims of identity theft.