My social security number is locked and I have no idea why. How do I find out why it is locked and how can I have it unlocked please.

A) I’m sorry to hear that your social security number is locked. There could be different reasons for that, depending on your situation.

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), if your social security number is locked, it may be because you – or someone else – entered inconsistent or incorrect information, and your account was locked to protect your information. If you are locked out of your account, you can call the my Social Security Help Desk at 1-800-772-1213 from Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET. If you locked your SSN and later need to unlock it, you can use your Social Security account login to sign in to your myE-Verify account and follow the prompts to unlock your Social Security number.

Another possible reason for your social security number being locked is that you are a victim of identity theft and someone else is using your SSN. If you think this is the case, you should report a stolen Social Security number to the Federal Trade Commission by answering questions about your situation so they can help you determine what to do next. You can also contact all three of the nationwide credit reporting agencies (CRAs) to place a freeze on your credit reports.

A third possible reason for your social security number being locked is that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) locked your account because the Social Security Administration informed them that the SSN of the primary or secondary taxpayer on the return belongs to someone who died prior to the tax year of the return submitted for processing. If you received a notice from the IRS with a CP01H code, you should follow the instructions on the notice to resolve the issue.

It’s essential to take immediate action to protect your identity and resolve the issue. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA): Reach out to the SSA as soon as possible to inquire about the status of your social security number. You can visit their official website or call their toll-free number to speak with a representative. They will provide you with information about the lock and the reason behind it.
2. Verify your identity: The SSA might require you to verify your identity before discussing sensitive information. Be prepared to provide personal details and answer security questions accurately.
3. Determine the cause: Once you’re connected with an SSA representative, ask them why your social security number is locked. They will explain the specific reason, whether it’s due to potential identity theft, suspicious activity, or any other issue.
4. Report identity theft (if applicable): If your social security number was locked due to identity theft or fraud, you must report it immediately. Contact your local law enforcement agency and file a police report. Additionally, inform the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by visiting their website or calling their identity theft hotline.
5. Follow instructions and provide necessary documentation: The SSA representative will guide you through the process of unlocking your social security number. They may require you to complete specific forms or provide supporting documents to verify your identity.
6. Monitor your credit and accounts: While resolving the issue, it’s crucial to monitor your credit reports and financial accounts for any unauthorized activity. Consider placing a fraud alert or freezing your credit with major credit bureaus to add an extra layer of security.
7. Update your passwords and secure your information: As a precautionary measure, change passwords for your online accounts, especially for sensitive platforms like banking, email, and social media. Strengthen your passwords by using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.

Remember, it’s essential to stay vigilant and act promptly when you suspect any issue related to your social security number. Working closely with the Social Security Administration and other relevant authorities will help resolve the situation and safeguard your identity.