Self-Lock is a tool that allows you to lock your Social Security number when you have an E-Verify account. Self-Lock adds a layer of security to your Social Security number that can help to prevent employer related identity theft. Employer related identity theft happens when someone else tries to use your Social Security number and other private information to obtain a job. This can happen when someone wants to apply for a job, but they know they will not be able to pass the background check, or they don’t have the proper license or credentials to gain employment. For example, they may not be a legal citizen of the United States, or they are applying for a job that requires a license or degree that they don’t have.

If they are successful in stealing your identity and they get hired for the position their employment information including their wages could be reported in your name to the Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration. When that happens, it may result in tax complications because their wages and tax obligations will be tied to your name. As a result, you could owe income tax or lose out on a refund. Your Social Security and Medicare benefits could also be impacted.

Additionally, you could suffer personal and financial harm if the person who stole your identity commits a crime or gains access to your financial accounts or opens financial accounts in your name.

When you use Self-Lock, it prevents someone else from using your SSN for an E-Verify case. According to the Social Security Administration “E-Verify is a free Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees”.

Employers use E-Verify to determine an employees United States citizenship status or their right to work for a company in the United States.

Once you setup Self-Lock if an employer tries to use your SSN in E-Verify to check your employment authorization it will result in an E-Verify Tentative Nonconfirmation (mismatch). You can unlock your SSN when applying for a job so that the employer can confirm your status and then lock it again once your status has been verified. Your Self- Lock remains in place as long as your account is active, and you have not unlocked your SSN.

To sign up for an E-Verify account go to https://myeverify.uscis.gov/

Click “Create Account” and then enter your email address. A confirmation email will be sent to the address. Open the email and click the link to verify. Follow the steps to create your account, be sure to use a password manager or notebook to log all the information you enter which will include your password and security questions. Once your account is setup you can manage and lock your SSN.