What steps to take when Social Security number is stolen?

What do I do if my Social Security card or number is stolen or lost? If your Social Security card or number (SSN) is lost or stolen, you should immediately contact your local police department and the Social Security Administration (call toll-free 1-800-772-1213) to let them know about the incident.

Can someone use my stolen Social Security number?

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. 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.

What are the 4 steps you should take when your identity has been stolen?

1. File a claim with your identity theft insurance, if applicable.
2. Notify companies of your stolen identity.
3. File a report with the FTC.
4. Contact your local police department.
5. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
6. Freeze your credit.
7. Sign up for a credit monitoring service, if offered.

How do you tell if your Social Security number has been stolen?

Telltale signs that your social security number has been hacked

1. #1: Unexplainable changes in your credit score.
2. #2: Inaccurate banking information.
3. #3: Changes in your email/snail mail.
4. #4: False employment records.
5. #5: Correspondence from the IRS.
6. #6: Messages from credit agencies.
7. #7: A fraudulent tax return.

What to do if your Social Security number is stolen?

If you believe that your Social Security number has been stolen, here are three things you can do to protect yourself: Report the identity theft to the responsible government agencies. The Social Security Administration directs you the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) website IdentityTheft.gov .

How to report identity theft to the SSA?

Your Identity Theft Affidavit and your police report together form your Identity Theft Report, a critical tool you’ll use to repair the damage. The SSA also recommends that you report your identity theft to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at 1c3.gov to notify law enforcement and regulatory authorities.

Where can I Find my missing Social Security card?

You can contact them at or call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) [2] . They can replace your missing social security card with your original number or a new number.

Do you need a new Social Security card for identity theft?

In extreme cases of identity theft, the SSSA might determine that you need a new Social Security number, along with a new Social Security card. However, this isn’t an easy fix and potentially opens up a whole new set of problems for you when you try to reconcile the two Social Security numbers.