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My Social Security Was Stolen – A recent graduate of the University of Minnesota, Nina began writing breaking news stories before moving on to cover security and other government benefits programs. In her free time, she’s in her kitchen, trying out a new bread recipe.
Incidents and data breaches occur. These events can compromise your Social Security number, opening the door to the potential for fraud or theft.
My Social Security Was Stolen
In December, the Social Security numbers of more than 35,000 PayPal users were stolen in a cyberattack, leaving important personal information in the hands of hackers.
Don’t Let A Lost Social Security Card Lead To Identity Theft
These types of breaches happen frequently, and in their aftermath, identity theft can have a long-lasting impact on a person’s credit score.
But just because it’s an ongoing threat doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to protect yourself. Here’s how to keep your personal information safe and what to do if your Social Security number is stolen.
To learn more about Social Security, here’s when you can expect your January Social Security check to arrive in the mail and whether you need to file a tax return if you receive Social Security benefits.
Theft happens everywhere and all the time. People will steal wallets and bags or go through the mail looking for personal bank or credit card information. The Social Security Administration warns that people searching through trash outside homes or businesses looking for important information is another method of identity theft, along with people purchasing personal information from inside sources. There is also the risk of receiving phone calls, text messages or emails from sources that appear official, but are actually scammers seeking to trick you into revealing information.
How Do I Check To See If Someone Is Using My Social Security Number? [2023]
As Bree Fowler explained, cyberattacks occur when hackers access online accounts that contain combinations of usernames and passwords that have often been stolen in previous data breaches and are used to break into as many accounts as possible. This strategy is reason enough to diversify your passwords and implement two-factor authentication whenever possible.
First, if you think your Social Security number has been stolen, know that the department itself can’t do much if someone uses your stolen information, for example, to open a line of credit or get a job.
Head to the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov and fill out a form to receive your personal recovery plan. This plan walks you through everything you need to know about protecting yourself from fraud and reclaiming your identity. You can also call 877-438-4337.
Contact the Internal Revenue Service if your Social Security number is stolen to prevent the thief from using your number to file a tax return and receive a tax refund or to prevent him or her from using your number for a job. If a thief uses your Social Security number to get a job, taxes owed may appear on your record. Visit the IRS’s Identity Theft Central to dispute these claims, get help, and clarify any issues you’re having.
What To Do If Your Social Security Number (ssn) Is Exposed
File a complaint online with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, which monitors cybercrime complaints to combat cybercrime. It is also advisable to check your credit report every now and then to flag any suspicious behavior as it occurs. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to get a free credit report.
Contact the Social Security Administration if you believe your Social Security number has been compromised and the administration can help review your data.
If you have done all the steps recommended by the Social Security Administration and your Social Security number is no longer used by someone other than you, you do not need to apply for a new Social Security number. If you have taken all the necessary steps and still find that your number is in use, you can apply for a new number.
But the administration doesn’t make it easy to get a new Social Security number. You will need proof that your number is still being used by someone other than you. If you lose your card or think someone stole your number but have no proof that someone else is using it, you won’t be able to get a new one, the department said.
Can My Identity Be Stolen From My Birth Certificate?
Sometimes, as with the PayPal breach, there’s not much you can do to keep your information safe. But there are steps you can take to reduce your risks.
Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Instead, store it in a safe place in your home. Try to memorize your Social Security Number (SSN) so you don’t have to take out your card every time you fill out a document that requires it. If you have to give your number out over the phone, make sure you’re away from other people who might hear it.
Employers and landlords often request that documents be sent electronically via email. If you have to provide your Social Security number or other personal documents via email, try encrypting the document with a password or providing your Social Security number separately in a phone call.
Your employer will need your Social Security number to conduct a background check. But you should be skeptical of any job posting that requires you to enter personal information at the beginning of your application. Unless you are starting a new position and have an offer in hand, you should not provide your Social Security number to a recruiter.
How To Create A My Social Security Account
Finally, always check your banking and credit statements regularly to address any issues as soon as they arise. Enable two-factor authentication on your passwords to protect your private information on websites and apps. And check where your notifications come from – whether they’re phone calls or emails. The Social Security Administration has generally said it will not contact you unless you request a call. If you think you have received a fraudulent call or email, do not give the person any personal information. A Report Unauthorized Use of Social Security Number (SSN) letter allows you to formally report to the Social Security Administration someone else using your Social Security number. An identity thief may be able to open credit cards or access bank accounts with this information, but a letter reporting unauthorized use of your Social Security number can help protect you.
Your Social Security number is one of the few unique ways to identify you. If someone does reach out to you, a letter reporting unauthorized use of your Social Security number helps put an end to any abuse. You’re usually asked for your Social Security number as proof of your identity, but what if an identity thief has it? You may discover huge balances on credit cards you never opened, or run into problems when tax season rolls around. If something happens, you’ll want to set things right. By documenting and reporting incidents of abuse, you can help uncover mistakes that have been made and insulate yourself from future problems that may arise. Filing a letter to report unauthorized use of your Social Security number can help you avoid identity theft and set things right.
This message confirms the conversation you had with the fraud hotline. Recently, there was inappropriate use of my Social Security number. For identification purposes, my Social Security number is and my date of birth is .
I request that your office conduct an investigation into this improper use. Please provide written confirmation that an investigation is underway.
What Happens If I Change My Social Security Number?
Start your letter to report unauthorized use of your Social Security Number now and get RocketLawyer free for 7 days. Get legal services you can trust at prices you can afford. You will get: Losing your Social Security card is not a tragedy. After all, you rarely have to show your card anywhere. What matters is knowing your Social Security number.
But what could happen if you lose your Social Security card? If your lost card ends up in the hands of scammers or cybercriminals, they will have access to your Social Security number and can cause serious damage.
Armed with your Social Security number, criminals can obtain loans or open credit card accounts in your name. They may access your bank or credit card accounts online and use your money to buy electronic devices, expensive restaurant meals, hotel stays, and anything else they desire.
Some may also use your Social Security number to file an income tax return in your name and withhold any tax refund owed to you. Others may sell your Social Security number to bidders on the dark web.
Social Security Card
What matters most is helping protect yourself from potential identity theft. Yes, you can request a replacement card, but your priority should be to prevent criminals from using your Social Security number to cause problems in your financial life.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent damage thieves can cause even if they steal your Social Security number.
Placing a fraud alert with the three national credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — encourages creditors or lenders to take extra steps to verify that it is you who is applying for a new loan or credit card and not someone pretending to be you.
For example, if someone applies for a new credit card in your name, the credit card company may contact you at the number you provide. You can then check if you have applied
