“Locking” Your Social Security Number Recommended

      From Kiplinger:

… Locking your SSN is a strategic move that shuts down the two most common avenues for fraud: illegal employment and unauthorized access to your government records. By understanding the tools available — from the E-Verify "Self Lock" to the SSA’s "Electronic Access Block" — you can effectively take your identity off the market. …

While you cannot "freeze" an SSN exactly like a credit report, you can achieve a similar result using two distinct government "locks." Here is the breakdown of how they work and how they differ. …

The E-Verify "Self Lock" (employment protection)

This lock specifically prevents scammers from using your SSN to get a job or pass an employment background check at any of the millions of employers that use the federal E-Verify system. …

How to use Self Lock- The Self Lock feature is only available to myE-Verify account holders. To lock your SSN, you must select and answer three challenge questions. Select questions you can easily answer, because you will need to answer them again to verify your identity if you receive an E-Verify Tentative Non-confirmation (mismatch) due to Self Lock. …

SSA "Block Electronic Access" (stops account takeover)

When you block electronic access to your account, this blocks everyone — including you — from accessing or changing your Social Security records online or via the SSA's automated phone system. … 

You must call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local SSA office to request an "Electronic Access Block." It blocks all automated telephone and internet access to your record. …