Sometimes, you may need to provide your Social Security number (SSN) to an employer, accountant, or financial institution, or it might be required if you’re applying for credit, a loan, or government benefits.

However, you should never send your SSN by regular email. While it may seem convenient, emailing your SSN exposes you to risks like identity theft and tax fraud.

The safest way to share your SSN is by using a digital vault like Trustworthy. This article explains the dangers of email, how to safely transmit your SSN, and the best tools for protecting your personal information.

Why You Shouldn't Send Your Social Security Number Through Email 

Q: Is it really unsafe to email my Social Security number?

A: Yes. Even if you're sending your SSN to someone you trust, email is not a secure way to transmit sensitive information. It can be intercepted, forwarded, or accessed through a compromised account.

Q: What specific risks come with emailing my SSN?

A: Two major risks are man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks and email account compromises. MITM attacks happen when hackers intercept your message as it travels from your device to the recipient.

Email accounts themselves can also be hacked, exposing sensitive data like your SSN.

Or you could accidentally send your Social Security number to the wrong email address.

Q: What could happen if someone gets access to my Social Security number?

A: The consequences can be serious. Someone with your SSN could:

• Apply for credit in your name.

• File a fraudulent tax return to claim your refund.

• Collect your government benefits.

• Attempt to establish residency or employment.

This kind of identity theft is difficult to reverse and can cause long-term financial damage.

Q: What do experts say about sending private data via email?

A: Catherine J. Ullman, a senior information security analyst at the University of Buffalo, says it clearly: "Email by default is not and was never intended to be a secure mechanism for sending sensitive data."

How to Protect Your SSN With Trustworthy

Q: What's a safer alternative to email for sending my Social Security number?

A: A safe option is to use a super-secure digital vault platform like Trustworthy. Trustworthy is built for storing and safely transmitting sensitive information. It protects your data through encryption and tokenization, and lets you control who can access it and for how long.

Q: What makes Trustworthy a secure way to store and share my Social Security number?

A: Trustworthy uses multiple layers of protection, including AES 256-bit encryption, multi-factor authentication, biometric login, tokenization, and physical security keys. These advanced security features make it extremely difficult for unauthorized users to access your information.

Trustworthy's SecureLinks™ feature allows you to share files in a way that’s private, time-limited, and trackable.

Q: What is a SecureLink™, and how does it work?

A: A SecureLink™ is a unique, encrypted link to a specific file in your Trustworthy account. When you create a SecureLink™, you can:

• Set how long the recipient can access the file (e.g., one hour, one day, one week).

• Track how many times the link has been viewed.

• Revoke access at any time.

This gives you full control over who sees your SSN and when — unlike email, where you lose control once the message is sent. Trustworthy eliminates the risks of sending your SSN online and brings you peace of mind. Try Trustworthy for free.

Q: What kinds of personal information can I store and share in Trustworthy?

A: In addition to your SSN, Trustworthy allows you to securely store and share any information that's important to you and your family.

This includes personal IDs (like passports and driver’s licenses, credit card and bank account information, insurance policies, legal documents, mortgage information, and tax records.

When It’s Safe to Provide Your Social Security Number

Q: What are situations when it’s safe to give someone my SSN?

A: It’s generally safe to provide your SSN in the following situations:

• Filing your tax return.

• Applying for government benefits.

• Starting a job.

• Applying for credit from a legitimate financial institution.

In these cases, make sure you’re dealing with a trusted party and using a secure method of communication.

Q: How can I verify whether a request for my Social Security number is legitimate?

A: Always ask the following:

• Why is my SSN required?

• Who will have access to it?

• How will it be stored and protected?

• Is there a secure alternative for verifying my identity?

If the answers are vague, incomplete, or evasive, that’s a red flag.

Q: Can I use something else in place of my SSN?

A: In many cases, yes. Some alternatives include your river’s license, your passport, or a utility bill

It’s worth asking whether one of these options would be accepted before offering your SSN.

Q: Should I carry my Social Security card with me?

A: No. There’s almost never a reason to carry your SSN card. Memorize the number if you need it, and store the card in a secure location like a safe or digital vault (Trustworthy).

Q: What should I do with documents that contain my Social Security number?

A: Shred them before disposing of them. Never throw away documents containing sensitive information — such as tax forms or medical records — without first destroying them securely.

Additional Questions

Q: Is texting my SSN any safer than emailing it?

A: No. In fact, it may be even less secure. Text messages can be intercepted, accessed through phone theft, or stored unencrypted by your mobile carrier. The Social Security Administration strongly strongly discourages sending your SSN via text.

Q: How do I know if an email that purports to be from the Social Security Administration is actually a fake?

A: Watch for these red flags:

• Misspelled words or awkward grammar.

• Urgent language demanding immediate action.

• Unusual sender addresses.

• Links to unfamiliar websites.

When in doubt, go directly to the official SSA website to verify.

Q: What should I do if I think someone is using my Social Security number?

A: Take the following steps immediately:

• Report it to the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.

• Freeze your credit with all three major bureaus.

• Notify your bank and monitor your accounts.

• Contact the IRS if you suspect tax-related identity theft.

The faster you act, the better your chances of limiting the damage.

The Bottom Line

Your Social Security number is one of your most sensitive and valuable pieces of personal data. Don’t send it through email or text, where it can be easily compromised. Use tools like password managers and secure platforms like Trustworthy to protect your SSN and maintain control over how it’s shared.