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The Daily Insight

How do I investigate someone using my Social Security number?

Author

John Thompson

Published Mar 19, 2026

If you believe a thief is using your Social Security number to work or claim Social Security benefits, call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271.

Can someone use your Social Security number without your permission?

A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. The Social Security Administration protects your Social Security number and keeps your records confidential. We don’t give your number to anyone, except when authorized by law.

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

If someone uses your Social Security number to obtain a job, credit, loans, telephone accounts, or other goods and services, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) . The FTC collects complaints about identity theft from those whose identities have been stolen.

Will I be notified if someone uses my SSN?

According to a new service called Civic, the answer is simple: track your Social Security number. Civic, which bills itself as an “identity protection network” and launches in beta today, hinges on a simple enough premise: If your Social Security number is used, you’ll get a push notification. That’s about it.

How do I red flag my Social Security number?

How do you put a red flag on your Social Security number?

  1. Step 1: Contact The Credit Bureaus:
  2. Step 2: Put Any one of Three Fraud Alerts On Your Credit Report:
  3. Initial fraud alert.
  4. Active duty alert.
  5. Extended fraud alert.
  6. Step 3: Removal of the fraud alert from your credit report.

Where can I find out if someone is using my Social Security card?

Check your credit reports from the three major agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Consider also adding a free fraud alert on your credit reports through one of the three major credit reporting agencies.

How can you tell if someone stole your SSN?

If you check your credit information and notice accounts that you didn’t initiate, you’re probably a victim of an SSN theft. Another sign is if you are turned down for a new credit application, even though you’ve had great credit before.

What happens when you get a new Social Security number?

If you receive a new Social Security number, you shouldn’t use the old number anymore. For some victims of identity theft, a new number actually creates new problems. If the old credit information isn’t associated with your new number, the absence of any credit history under your new number may make it more difficult for you to get credit.

Can a dishonest person use your Social Security number?

A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name.