Protect Yourself: Understanding Social Security Number (SSN) Scams Your Social Security Number (SSN) is one of the most sensitive pieces of personal information you own. Criminals actively target individuals to steal SSNs because they can use them to commit identity theft, open fraudulent accounts, file fake tax returns, or access government benefits in your name. Being informed is your first line of defense. What Is an SSN Scam? An SSN scam happens when fraudsters try to trick you into revealin