Finding out your Social Security number was leaked can make your stomach drop. Don’t panic. A leaked SSN is serious. There are concrete things you can do right now to make it much harder for someone to use it.

Start by Freezing Your Credit

Credit freezes are the thing I’d do. They stop creditors from opening accounts in your name until you lift the freeze. That makes a stolen SSN less useful to a thief.

You’ll need to place a freeze with each of the three credit bureaus. It doesn’t cost anything.. You can remove the freeze later when you actually need to apply for credit.

Check Your Credit Reports

• Pull your credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com. Look closely at accounts because even one strange account deserves attention.

• Fraud alerts are another option. I prefer a freeze if your SSN was actually exposed. A freeze is protection. It doesn’t require you to remember to renew it every year.

Watch for Things That Feel Slightly Off

This is where you want to be boring. Check your bank and credit card activity regularly. If you see something you don’t recognize contact the company using a phone number from its website or your statement.

Pay attention to letters about accounts you never opened. An unexpected bill can be the clue that somebody is using your identity.

Don’t Ignore Tax Identity Theft

Someone with your SSN may also try to file a tax return using your information. If you receive an IRS notice about a return you didn’t file take it seriously.

You can also get an IRS Identity Protection PIN. It adds another layer of protection when you file your tax return.

Be Extra Suspicious of Messages

Once your SSN is exposed scams can feel weirdly personal. A caller may know your name or part of your address. Then claim they’re from a bank or government agency.

Don’t give them your SSN just because they already know some details, about you. Hang up. Contact the organization yourself.

• An urgent call asking for your SSN or money? Stop. Government agencies don’t need you to prove yourself by rushing.

• A password reset you didn’t request is worth investigating. Especially if it arrives alongside unusual account activity.

Keep Records and Act Early

Save the breach notice that told you your SSN was exposed. Keep copies of letters and notes about calls you make. If identity theft actually occurs, having a paper trail makes the next steps much easier.

You don’t need to spend your evening obsessing over this. Set up the freeze. Check what already happened. Stay alert for a while.