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The Daily Insight

What to do if you lost your wallet with your Social Security card in it?

Author

Andrew Mclaughlin

Published Apr 11, 2026

If your wallet or purse containing your Social Security card is stolen, contact your local police department to file a theft report. You should also contact SSA directly to request a replacement Social Security card.

How do you protect yourself if your Social Security card is stolen?

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.

How do I report my Social Security card stolen?

Act fast if your Social Security card is stolen If your wallet or purse containing your Social Security card is stolen, contact your local police department as soon as possible to file a theft report. Also, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement Social Security card.

Highlights:

  1. Highlights:
  2. Consider placing a fraud alert or a security freeze on your credit reports or locking them.
  3. Request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration.
  4. Check your credit reports.
  5. File a police report or a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Report.

How do I report my Social Security card stolen online?

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. Or report Social Security benefits fraud online at

How do I lock down my Social Security number?

To lock your Social Security number, visit the U.S. government’s myE-Verify website and complete the necessary steps online. “You’ll need to enter your personal data, take a quiz, enter document data, and then get your results,” says Katie Gampietro Burke, CFP and founder of Wealth by Empowerment.

What to do if your Social Security card is stolen?

If your wallet or purse containing your Social Security card is stolen, contact your local police department to file a theft report. You should also contact SSA directly to request a replacement Social Security card. . . The FTC collects complaints about identity theft from those whose identities have been stolen. .

What happens when you file a police report on a stolen wallet?

Some credit card issuers or banks may also want the police report number as part of their fraud investigation. When you file a police report, you’ll be asked to provide a description of your wallet, what was in it, how, where and when it was stolen, and any other information you might have about the circumstances.

What to do if your wallet is stolen from your home?

When you file a police report, you’ll be asked to provide a description of your wallet, what was in it, how, where and when it was stolen, and any other information you might have about the circumstances.

What happens if you lose your Social Security card?

Security number: • If your Social Security card is lost or stolen, but there’s no evidence that someone is using your number; • To avoid the consequences of filing for bankruptcy; or • If you intend to avoid the law or your legal responsibility. 6