E-Verify Self Lock

Identity Fraud

Identity fraud is a real threat, and one way that it can happen is through employment-related identity theft.  Protect yourself by locking your Social Security Number (SSN) in E-Verify, the web-based system employers use to verify employees' eligibility.

Locking your SSN

After logging into your E-Verify account, you will set up three challenge questions.  You'll need answers to these questions to verify your identity, so make them something you can remember that criminals won't be able to guess.  I suggest using a password vault to securely store them.

The only time you need to unlock your SSN is when you start a new job that uses E-Verify.

Does this stop Unemployment Fraud?

Unfortunately, this does not prevent someone from filing for Unemployment.  Thieves can still file for unemployment benefits in your name through state unemployment systems, which don't use E-Verify.  The best way to protect yourself from this is to freeze and monitor your credit, and to report suspicious activity to your state's unemployment agency.

Report in New Jersey - Division of Unemployment Insurance Fraud Report
Report in Pennsylvania - PA Dept of Labor & Industry (L&I) Unemployment Compensation Fraud
Report to the Federal Trade Commission - Identity Theft Reporting