Former DOGE Employee Accused of Stealing Social Security Data

Whistleblower claims worker took sensitive databases with plans to use at new job

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A former employee of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is accused of stealing personal data of over 500 million Americans from the U.S. Social Security Administration and storing it on a thumb drive. According to a whistleblower complaint, the ex-DOGE worker planned to use the sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, at his new job at a government contractor.

Why it matters

This is the latest in a series of incidents involving DOGE employees accessing restricted Social Security data, raising concerns about data security and potential misuse of Americans' personal information. It follows previous allegations that DOGE members tried to aid an advocacy group in overturning election results by improperly accessing Social Security numbers.

The details

The whistleblower said the former DOGE employee, whose name was not released, claimed to have 'God-level' access to the Social Security Administration's systems and obtained two restricted databases called 'Numident' and the 'Master Death File.' These databases could contain records for over 500 million living and deceased Americans, including sensitive personal details. The ex-DOGE worker then allegedly told colleagues at his new job that he possessed this data and planned to use it.

  • The former DOGE employee worked at the Social Security Administration last year.
  • In October, he left to work at a government contractor, where he made the claims about the stolen data.

The players

DOGE

The Department of Government Efficiency, an agency led by Elon Musk that was installed at the Social Security Administration after the 2025 election.

Social Security Administration

The U.S. federal agency responsible for administering the Social Security program, including maintaining sensitive personal data on hundreds of millions of Americans.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Social Security Administration's inspector general is investigating the whistleblower complaint.

The takeaway

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about data security and potential misuse of sensitive personal information by DOGE employees, who have been accused of improperly accessing restricted Social Security data in the past. It raises questions about oversight and accountability within the agency.