Report The Identity Theft To The Ftc And Police
Your first action should be to report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission and file a police report. When you visit the Social Security Administration’s website, you’ll be directed to the FTC website, IdentityTheft.gov, where you can report one or more of the following types of fraud related to your SSN:
- Someone filed a tax return in your name
- Someone filed for unemployment or government benefits in your name
- Someone gained access to your information
- Your information was exposed in a data breach
Next, you’ll get information on next steps to take, which may include completing more forms and getting a recovery plan. For tax-related identity theft, which usually involves your SSN, you may be required to complete an identity theft affidavit, or Form 14039.
After reporting the theft to the FTC, file a police report with your local jurisdiction. While your city or county may not be able to investigate this crime right away , having a police report can serve as documentation in your identity recovery and resolution endeavors.
Report Theft To The Irs
This one is important. Reporting your stolen Social Security card to the IRS prevents fraudulent tax returns from being filed. If you dont report the theft immediately, you may be responsible for any fraudulent filings using your original documents. Make sure you cover yourself.
Here is the contact information to help you take this step.
Phone: 1-800-908-4490IRS Website: www.irs.gov/uac/Identity-Protection
What Are The Dangers Of Losing My Social Security Card
Scammers can use your SSN to apply for credit cards or loans in your name, or commit account takeover fraud and steal or access additional personal information. One of the fastest-growing COVID-19-related identity theft crimes is tax fraud and identity theft, whereby thieves file a phony tax return in your name, hoping to snag a refund before you catch on. If your Social Security card is stolen, be sure to report the loss to the Internal Revenue Service. Another recent COVID-19 scam that cruelly exploits job losses involves filing phony unemployment claims using your SSN, birth date, name, or address.
Even if your Social Security card is not stolen or lost, you need to remain vigilant for scammers who call you claiming theres a problem with your SSN or account and try to get you to divulge personal information. If theres a legitimate problem with your number or account, the Social Security Administration will mail you a letter with your Social Security number. To learn how to respond to unsolicited robocalls or calls using caller ID spoofing, visit this SSA webpage.
Read Also: Social Security Fraudulent Activity Call
Report Your Lost Card To The Ssa
The Social Security Administration does not require you to report a lost Social Security card. However, if you want to report your card as lost and check that there hasnât been any fraudulent action that the SSA is aware of in relation to your lost card, you can call the main Social Security Administration service number for assistance.
The main toll-free phone number for the Social Security Administration is 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hearing-impaired, you should use this number: TTY 1-800-325-0778. The Social Security Administration does not publish the phone number for your local social security office, and going to a social security office isnât necessary anyways.
Automated services from the Social Security Administration are available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These include recorded messages with information you might need and answers to common questions relating to your lost social security card. If you need to speak to a social security representative, they can be reached through the same number between 8 am and 5:30 pm Monday through Friday.
Social Security Cards And Payments
To replace a lost, stolen, or destroyed Social Security Card, visit or call toll-free 1-800-772-1213 . You can also visit your nearest Social Security Administration office to request a replacement card. Find the nearest location at .
If you suspect that your Social Security Number is being used to commit fraud, or if you receive a suspicious call from someone purporting to be the Social Security Administration, contact the Office of the Inspector Generals fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or submit a report online at .
If you have a problem with your Social Security payment, go to the nearest office of the Social Security Administration, call 800-772-1213 , or visit . Most issues can be handled through your my Social Security portal online . If you do not receive your regularly scheduled payment from Social Security as a result of severe weather or other emergencies, you can obtain emergency payments if necessary. For more information, log on to www.socialsecurity.gov/emergency. Social Security checks can also be direct deposited or put on an SSA-issued credit card . To replace your DirectExpress card, call 1 741-1115 or visit .
Use The Id Theft Affidavit
Creditors may ask you to fill out fraud affidavits. The Federal Trade Commissions ID Theft Affidavit is accepted by the credit bureaus and by most major creditors. Send copies of the completed form to creditors where the thief opened accounts in your name. Also send copies to creditors where the thief made charges on your account, to the credit bureaus, and to the police. The form is available on the FTC Web site at ww.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/resources/forms/affidavit.pdf. File a complaint of identity theft with the FTC. See their Web site at www.consumer.gov/idtheft The FTC keeps a database of identity theft cases that is used by many law enforcement agencies.
Getting A Social Security Card After A Legal Name Change
This is the final reason you would need a new card or number. There are many reasons someone would go through a legal name change in the United States: marriage, divorce, court order or any number of personal reasons.
Heres the catch: If youre doing that, you need to put in a Social Security card application to let the government know. There is no charge for this service, but it is required of all citizens who change their names.
Apply For A New Social Security Card
Finally, once you have followed all of these steps completely, youll want to apply for a replacement card.This process can be tedious, so before we actually go into the details like when you need to go to your local SSA office and what original or copies of documents you need, were going to talk about one important issue.
Wills Or Other Estate Planning Documents
In Texas, if you have lost your original will, you should execute a new will. This is true even if you have a copy of the original will, because Texas law imposes many burdens on those trying to probate a lost original will. If there are no originals or copies, then a new will must be executed. As a practical matter, even if you have your original will, it may be necessary to draft a new will due to the dramatic change in property value/ownership due to a disaster. Certain gifts in the will may fail if property has been destroyed, or the prior will also may not adequately deal with insurance proceeds as a replacement for specific gifts.
If you do not have the original will for a recently deceased person but do have a copy, the copy can be submitted to probate. To probate a lost will, three things must be proved: due execution , reason why the original will cannot be produced , and the contents of the will, either with a copy or by a witness who is familiar with the contents. Under Texas law, if a person dies and their will cannot be proved, the person is considered to have died intestate and their estate will be distributed according to state law.
Why You Should Replace Your Card Quickly
Safeguarding your social security card and your social security number are important for many reasons. The Social Security Administration uses your Social Security Number to track your earnings for future benefit payments. Your SSN allows you to access your records with the Social Security Administration and to receive payments that you are owed.
Your social security card and SSN are both important for employment. Most new employers will ask to see your social security card and all are required by the IRS to record your Social Security Number for tax purposes. Your social security card can serve as proof to employers that you are legally authorized to work in the United States.
You need to include your social security number when you file your tax return, apply for a Medicare card, and may need it when you apply for a driverâs license, marriage certificate, passport or other government documents or benefits.
Your social security number is a unique way for many businesses and organizations to identify you. It can also be an important part of proving your identity when carrying out sensitive or official business, like seeing your doctor, discussing an insurance claim, opening a bank account, or applying for a loan or credit card.
Driver License Or Identity Card
If you wish to replace a lost or stolen Texas drivers license or identity card or change the address listed on your card, you can do so online at . Alternatively, you can visit any Texas Driver License office and submit a completed Application for Renewal/Replacement/Change along with proof of citizenship or legal residency and two forms of ID . In either case, the fee for a replacement card is $11.An additional fee of $1.75 may be charged if you do not have access to the audit number listed on your driver license or ID card. Additional information on replacing your Texas driver license or identity card can be found on the following website: .
You Must Apply For A New Number In
Here, youll fill out an application and also provide the proof from the previous step. Only third-party evidence can be used as proof.
If youre looking to find your local Social Security Office go to our homepage and use the search bar to enter your city or zip code.
If youre looking to apply for a Social Security card online, there are options available just follow that link to find out more information.
Consider A Credit Freeze
The strongest protection against new accounts being opened in your name is a credit freeze, also called a security freeze. A freeze means that your file cannot be shared with potential creditors, insurers, employers, or residential landlords without your permission. For more information, see our CIS 10: How to Freeze Your Credit Files.
Things To Do If You Lose Social Security Card
Do you have your social security number stolen or lost? Now is not the time to panic or do nothing you need to take steps immediately. Your identity is at stake with your SSN card gone however, the following steps below should help offer you the protection you need during this period.
How Do I Replace My Lost Or Stolen Social Security Card
You can replace your Social Security card online. According to the Social Security Administration, if youre only requesting a replacement card, and no other changes, you can use our free online services from anywhere. All you need to do is log in to or create your personal my Social Security account.
Once you receive your replacement card, dont put it in your purse or wallet. Keep it stored securely in a safety deposit box, or at home.
Report And Replace A Missing Social Security Card
The Social Security Administration will only take a report of your lost or stolen Social Security card or number if you believe someone else is using it to apply for employment or government benefits. Call the SSA fraud hotline to report such abuse at 1-800-269-0271.
If you believe someone is using your Social Security card or number to apply for loans and credit in your name, you should contact the FTC as outlined in Step 5. The SSA cannot help you repair your credit, and they very rarely issue replacement Social Security numbers.
If you need to replace a missing card, visit www.ssa.gov to find your local office. If you have your Social Security number memorized, you may not need a new card. A Social Security card is only necessary when you are applying for new employment, for instance. Never carry your card with you in your purse or wallet on a daily basis. Keep it in a safe place until its needed.
How To Protect Yourself: Identity Theft
Identity theft is a serious problem that affects millions each year. When an imposter uses your name, Social Security number , credit card number or any other form of personal information without your knowledge and permission, its a crime.
Unfortunately, sometimes victims remain unaware that their identity has been stolen until they receive monthly statements for credit card accounts they never applied for, credit reports including unfamiliar debts or monthly statements that include unauthorized charges.
If someone has stolen your identity, immediately take these three steps:
Take control of your identity.
Although identity thieves can destroy your personal finances, there are some things you can do to take control of the situation.
Some ways to handle the most common forms of identity theft are:
A- If an identity thief has stolen your mail for access to new credit cards, bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers and tax information or falsified change-of-address forms, that person has committed a crime. Report it to your local postal inspector. You may contact the United States Postal Inspection Service online at .
G- If any identity thief is using your name or SSN to obtain a drivers license, report it to your states Department of Motor Vehicles. Also, if your state uses your SSN as your drivers license number, ask to substitute another number.
Stay alert.
If Your Driver’s License Or Dmv
Immediately contact your local DMV office to report the theft. Ask them to put a fraud alert on your license. Then call the toll-free DMV Fraud Hotline at 1-866-658-5758. If the thief is using your license as ID, you may want to change your license number. Ask DMV for an appointment. Take a copy of the police report and copies of bills or other items supporting your claim of fraud. You will also need to prove your identity. Take current documents such as a passport, a certification of citizenship or naturalization, or a U.S. military photo ID. DMV will issue a new license or ID card number when you meet all the requirements.
If You Are Contacted By A Debt Collector
Tell the debt collector that you are the victim of identity theft. Say that you dispute the validity of the debt. Say that you did not create the debt and are not responsible for it. Send the collector a follow-up letter saying the same things. Include a copy of your police report and of any documents youve received from the creditor. Write in your letter that you are giving notice to a claimant under California Civil Code section 1798.93, subsection that a situation of identity theft exists. Send the letter by certified mail, return receipt requested. If the debt collector is not the original creditor, be sure to send your letter within 30 days of receiving the collectors first written demand for payment.
Review Your Credit Reports Carefully
When you receive your credit reports, read them carefully. Look for accounts you dont recognize. Look in the inquiries section for names of creditors from whom you havent requested credit. You may find some inquiries identified as promotional. These occur when a company has gotten your name and address from a credit bureau to send you an offer of credit. Promotional inquiries are not signs of fraud. Also, as a general precaution, look in the personal information section to verify your Social Security number, address and name.
If you find anything you dont understand, call the credit bureau at the telephone number listed on the report. Tell them you want to block, or remove, any information on the report that is the result of identity theft. For more on what to tell the credit bureaus, see the Privacy Rights Clearinghouses Identity Theft: What to Do When It Happens to You.
How To Protect Your Identity When Your Social Security Card Is Stolen
If your social security card has been stolen, youve lost important vital records that prove your identity. Taking steps to protect yourself will help prevent fiscal losses.
- If you dont know your social security number, contact the Social Security Office first with a copy of your birth certificate or passport.
- Then, report identity theft to the FTC. Visit IdentityTheft.Gov and fill out the wizard to make a report.
- Also, call the IRS at 800-908-4490 to report the theft and to prevent someone from submitting a tax return in your name. You may have to prove your identity with your birth record.