Social Security Number Challenge Poses Threat to Consumers

• The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) discovered multiple social media posts encouraging people to leave their Social Security numbers in the comment section of popular social media sites. It is known as the “Social Security number challenge.”
• While many people will not fall for the challenge, it is a reminder that there are fake social media profiles that ask for personal information.
• No one should ever give out any personal information publically or to someone they do not know, especially on social media.
• For more information, contact the ITRC for no-cost assistance by phone at 888.400.5530 or by live-chat via the company website.

Have you ever heard of the Social Security number challenge? Someone posts a call to action on social media for people to “drop their Social Security number” in the comments. The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) recently was notified of the trending Social Security number challenge on Facebook.

While the challenge seems far-fetched, it is a good reminder that there are fake social media profiles that ask for personal information like “your mother’s maiden name” or “the answer to your security question.”

Who It Is Targeting 

Facebook and social media users

What It Is 

A social media challenge where someone posts on social media asking others to place their Social Security number in the comments. It is known as the “Social Security number challenge.”

What They Are After 

In this particular case, people’s Social Security numbers. However, there are fake social media profiles that ask for other personal information like account security answers (your mother’s maiden name or dog’s name) that could lead to lots of damage if used in your password or other.

What You Can Do 

Never give out personal information to anyone you do not know. It’s impossible to know whose hands the information will end up in and what they might do with it. Personal information can be used to commit many different forms of identity theft. 

If you want to learn more about social media safety or have questions about the use of your Social Security number, contact the ITRC toll-free at 888.400.5530 to speak with an expert advisor. You can also live-chat with an advisor on the company website.

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