Replacing Your Lost Social Security Card
Fortunately, it is possible to replace a lost social security card. The Social Security Administration allows you to get up to three replacement cards in a calendar year and up to a maximum of 10 replacement cards within your lifetime.
You will need to fill out an application and gather required documentation to submit with it. Then you have three options for submitting your application to the Social Security Administration. You can make a trip to an SSA office near you, submit your application by mail, or – the fastest and easiest option – you can handle the entire process to get your replacement card online.
If youâre wondering how long to get a replacement social security card, typically the SSA will mail you your social security replacement card in 1-2 weeks once you have submitted your application.
You can learn what documents you will need and access the application for a replacement social security card with our step-by-step guide. It will walk you through the process to complete your application online, so you donât have to take time off work or away from your weekday schedule to go to the local social security office during business hours, only to encounter long lines and wait times. Instead, we will guide you through the online application process so itâs quick, easy and completed entirely from the comfort of your own home.
Where To Report Identity Theft
If you believe you have been an identity theft victim, you must take action immediately.
One of the first steps is to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission . The FTC is the national consumer protection agency that will investigate your claim and take action against perpetrators.
You can report identity theft online at IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338.
Apart from the FTC identity theft report, you should also notify the local police department. So, you should file a report with them as well. In addition, be sure to keep copies of all the reports and documentation, as you may need them in the future.
All in all, by taking quick and decisive action, you can help protect yourself from further harm and bring perpetrators to justice.
How To Use Idme
TWC uses ID.me to verify the identity of an individual who filed a claim for unemployment benefits. If you did not file the unemployment claim, you must not use ID.me.
Most claimants can verify their identity using the ID.me self-service webpage. You will need to submit photos of your:
You might not be able to have your identity verified using the self-service webpage if:
- The photos of your government-issued ID or your personal photo are blurry or shadowed
- If you have credit issues, such as no credit or frozen credit or your credit information is incorrect
- Or if the phone number you submit is not associated with your name.
If you cannot use the self-service option, you may be able to verify your identity during a video conference call with ID.me. To verify your identity using a video call, you will need:
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What Are The Steps To Reporting Identity Theft
1. Get in touch with the three credit reporting bureaus and add a fraud alert to your credit report.
2. Check your credit reports. Look for unfamiliar account activity, collection notices, and other signs that your information may have been used without your permission.
3. Close the accounts that have been opened fraudulently or tampered with.
4. File a complaint with the FTC. This will help law enforcement officials find and prosecute identity thieves.
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Tips From Radaris: How To Avoid Getting Your Ssn Stolen
Radaris.com is an open-source intelligence website built to get information online, as long as it is available for public access. Therefore, it is possible to search for names, phone numbers, and businesses on the internet. Besides, the system has hundreds of millions of records from national data agencies to make the search easy and convenient.
Regarding stolen SSN, Radaris lists a few tips that it thinks might help users protect their card now or in the future. They include:
- Keeping SSN card at home at all times
- Constantly monitor SSN account for inconsistent earnings/spendings
- Use Radaris to radar your info, i.e., any new updates about you on the internet will be mentioned.
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What Should I Do If I Think Someone Is Using My Social Security Number
If you think someone is using your number, there are several actions you can take. Note that we can only resolve Social Security number reporting problems on our own records.
Review your Social Security earnings record Review the earnings posted to your record on your Social Security Statement. To get your online Statement, log into your personal mySocial Security account and check your account. If you see any inconsistencies, contact the Social Security Administration. We consider identity theft one of our major challenges so we have joined in government-wide efforts to prevent Social Security number misuse.If you want to report identity theft, where someone used your personal information, including your Social Security number, to get a loan or job, file a tax return, or conduct other business, please visit the Federal Trade Commissions Identity Theft page. This guides you through each step of the recovery process. Its a one-stop resource managed by the Federal Trade Commission, the nations consumer protection agency.Contact the Internal Revenue Service for issues involving taxesIf you believe someone is using your Social Security number to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes, contact the IRS online or call 1-800-908-4490. Order a free credit reportYou can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus .Make a single request for all three credit bureau reports:
Can I Replace My Social Security Card The Same Day
Unfortunately, you cannot replace your Social Security card the same day. You can, however, visit your local Social Security office and obtain a receipt serving as proof that you have submitted your application for a new card. This receipt can be used as evidence of a temporary card in some situations. It will take anywhere from 10-14 to process your application for a new card, but the quickest way to get the replacement is through your Social Security account online.
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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.
Additional Suggestions For Victims Of Id Theft
Victims of identity theft are advised to take the following actions:
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What Do I Do Next Ongoing Steps To Take
As weve talked about in some of my other blog posts, identity theft can be a long-term problem where follow-up instances of theft can crop up over time. However, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the damage and ensure it doesnt happen again. I cover several of those steps in detail in this blog here, yet lets take a look at a few of the top items as they relate to SSN theft:
Consider placing a fraud alert.
Look into an all-out credit freeze.
A full credit freeze is in place until you lift it and will prohibit creditors from pulling your credit report altogether. This can help stop thieves dead in their tracks since approving credit requires pulling a report. However, this applies to legitimate inquires, including any that you make, like opening a new loan or signing up for a credit card. If thats the case, youll need to take extra steps as directed by the particular institution or lender. Unlike the fraud alert, youll need to notify each of the three major credit bureaus when you want the freeze lifted.
Monitor your credit reports.
Once every 12 months, you can access a free credit report from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Doing so will allow you to spot any future discrepancies and offer you options for correcting them.
Sign up for an identity protection service.
Identity Theft And Financial Fraud
First, thereâs the risk of the information falling into the wrong hands, which could lead to identity theft and financial fraud. This could potentially impact your credit score and finances for years to come.
It could prevent you from being able to borrow for major purchases, such as qualifying for a mortgage for a home or getting a car loan. Or damage to your credit history could mean you have to pay higher interest on loans.
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Report The Crime To The Police
Under California law, you can report identity theft to your local police department.1 Ask the police to issue a police report of identity theft. Give the police as much information on the theft as possible. One way to do this is to provide copies of your credit reports showing the items related to identity theft. Black out other items not related to identity theft. Give the police any new evidence you collect to add to your report. Be sure to get a copy of your police report. You will need to give copies to creditors and the credit bureaus. For more information, see Organizing Your Identity Theft Case” by the Identity Theft Resource Center, available at
How To Report Identity Theft To Social Security
8 MIN READ
In the hands of a thief, your Social Security Number is the master key to your identity.
With a Social Security Number , a thief can unlock everything from credit history and credit line to tax refunds and medical care. In extreme cases, thieves can use it to impersonate others. So, if you suspect your number is lost or stolen, its important to report identity theft to Social Security right away.
Part of what makes an SSN so powerful in identity theft is that theres only one like it. Unlike a compromised credit card, you cant hop on the phone and get a replacement. No question, the theft of your SSN has serious implications. If you suspect it, report it. So, lets take a look at how it can happen and how you can report identity theft to Social Security if it does.
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What To Do If Your Social Security Card Was Lost Or Stolen
If your card is lost or stolen, then you need to act immediately to help protect yourself. As soon as you recognize that your card was stolen, you should file a report with your local police department. Notify the authorities so that they can begin working on finding the culprit, and that police report also serves as proof that your card really was stolen in case you need to work on repairing your credit later. A stolen Social Security card is typically more likely to cause you problems down the road, but a lost card can cause issues too. If you simply lost or misplaced your card, then you can skip this step and move on to the next one.
In addition to the police, you will want to go ahead and notify the Social Security Administration that your card is lost or stolen. You should go ahead and register for your MySocialSecurity account at SSA.gov also. This online portal allows you to request a replacement card, view your earnings statements, estimate your future benefits, and many more things. Make sure that you claim your account so that whoever has your SS card cannot claim it fraudulently.
Who Has The Right To Ask For Your Number
While any business can ask for your social security number, there are very few entities that can actually demand it motor vehicle departments, tax departments and welfare departments, for example. Also, social security numbers are required for transactions involving taxes, so that means banks, brokerages, employers, and the like also have a legitimate need for your social security number.
Most other businesses have no legal right to demand your number. There is no law prohibiting a business from asking for your social security number, but asking for it does not mean you have to give it. Ask if the business will accept an alternative piece of identification. Since some businesses use your social security number to check your credit worthiness, there is a possibility they will refuse to use a different identifier and may refuse to provide whatever product or service you are seeking. But a business may accept your refusal and complete the transaction. If they do not, you might want to consider choosing not to do business with them.
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If Someone Uses Your Social Security Number To Claim Unemployment Benefits Or To Work
If you suspect that someone else has claimed unemployment benefits using your Social Security number, call the California Employment Development Departments toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-800-229-6297. For more information, see their Web site at www.edd.ca.gov. Search on the site for “fraud.” Sometimes, an identity thief will use someone elses Social Security number to be eligible to work. Its a good idea to check your Social Security earnings record to see if income earned by a thief is being posted to your account. You can get a copy of your earnings record by calling 1-800-772-1213. Or get a Request for Social Security Statement at www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-7004.html. 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 .
Social Security Combats Fraud
Social Security has zero tolerance for fraud. We diligently work at the national, regional, and local levels to combat fraud that undermines our mission to serve the American public.
To meet this challenge, we work closely with the Office of the Inspector General which investigates allegations of fraud and seeks to bring offenders to justice. The OIG refers cases to U.S. attorneys within the Department of Justice, and other state and local prosecuting authorities, for prosecution as a federal crimes.
Visit our OIGs Investigations page to view a list of recent fraud investigations.
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Irs Information For Employers
Employers are often the first line of defense against unemployment fraud. Employers should:
- Respond quickly to state notices that its employees have filed for unemployment claims, especially if the names on the notices are not employees
- Be alert to misuse of the IRS-issued Employer Identification Number that fraudsters may use to file jobless claims
- File a Form 14039-BPDF, Business Identity Theft Affidavit, if the companys EIN is being used to generate fraudulent unemployment benefit claims.
- Write to the IRS to close out the business tax account if the company is going out of business this will help curtail the misuse of dormant EINs.
What Should I Do If My Wallet Is Lost Or Stolen
Protect yourself from identity theft with these 9 steps.
You reach into your purse or pocket and its gone. Youve lost your wallet or worse, its been stolen.
Now what?
After you determine that the wallet is definitely gone and not just hiding in a couch cushion, there are some steps you must take quickly:
First, file a police report to establish a record of your loss. Theyll need to know when it was lost or stolen, what you think happened and what was in the wallet.
If your checkbook disappears, youll need to close that account and reconfigure any direct deposits and auto-payments youve arranged. Make sure your bank alerts the check verification companies to prevent someone using your checks.
Start a call log and list the date, time and people you talk to.
Equifax: 525-6285 or www.equifax.comExperian: 397-3742 or www.experian.comTransUnion: 680-7289 or www.transunion.com
If your Social Security card was in your wallet and now you know why it NEVER should be youll have to call your local Social Security Administration office and explain what happened. They will replace the card for free but youll have to fill out Form SS-5 and present documentation. Your replacement card will have the same number as the original.
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