How Can I Check To See If Someone Is Using My Ssn
If you discover your Social Security card is missing or stolen, there are quite a few ways to monitor your SSN for suspicious activity. Here are 11 tactics to determine if someone is fraudulently using your SSN.
You notice early signs of identity theft
There are several tell-tale signs of identity theft, namely new credit or lender inquiries on your credit report. In 2021 alone, the FTC reported 363,092 cases of cybercriminals and scammers fraudulently opening new credit cards â which alerted consumers that their identities were stolen.
Unfamiliar charges on your credit card or bank statement
New credit cards or loan amounts arenât the only signs of identity theft. There were 32,204 reports of on existing accounts in 2021 alone. Unfamiliar charges on your credit card or bank statement are clear indicators that you are a victim of a bank scam.
A drastic change in your credit score
Your credit score is a reflection of your current credit lines, payment history, and incoming credit inquiries. If your credit score plummets 20 points or more, immediately review your credit report and Social Security Statement to check for fraudulent activity.
With your financial information at their disposal, itâs very common for identity thieves to rack up an impressive amount of debt. When debt collectors that you donât recognize begin to call you or send letters to your home, itâs important to review your current credit report.
Social Security Cards And Payments
To replace a lost, stolen, or destroyed Social Security Card, visit the Department of Social Security 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 here.
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.
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 Office Closings andEmergencies. 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 DirectExpress.
Social Security Prototype Bill
AMACs founder, Dan Weber, has been in the forefront of the fight to address the problems facing Americas Social Security program. Put simply, the program is paying out more than its taking in, causing a gradual depletion of the Social Security Trust Fund. If left unchecked, projections are that this depletion will cause the Trust Fund balance to be exhausted by 2034, with the result being a scale-down of paymentsas much as 25%to Social Security recipients. As an action-oriented association, AMAC is resolved to do its part to call for action on this very serious problem.Most recently, AMAC has developed a bipartisan compromise bill, titled Social Security Guarantee Act,” taking selected portions of bills introduced by Rep. Sam Johnson and Rep. John Larson and merging them with the Associations original legislative framework to create the new Act.AMAC representatives have been resolute in their mission to get the attention of lawmakers in Washington, meeting with many, many congressional offices and their legislative staffs over the past several years. The Association is gaining ground every day, and you can help–support AMAC in this fight by contacting your congressional representative to add your voice! Visit the Associations website at www.AMAC.us to learn more about AMACs proposed solution and to obtain a copy of a document outlining the steps that AMAC advocates to resolve this very serious problem.
Recommended Reading: Call The Social Security Administration
What Happens When You Lose Your Social Security Card
If you lose your Social Security card, you may be at risk of losing money youve earned, your Social Security benefits may be depleted, plus debt could accumulate in your name. It’s important to know what to do, so you can act quickly in the event of a loss. However, to understand the harm that you may experience, it helps to understand the fundamentals of Social Security.
If you lose your Social Security card, you may be at risk of losing money youve earned, your Social Security benefits may be depleted, plus debt could accumulate in your name. It’s important to know what to do, so you can act quickly in the event of a loss. However, to understand the harm that you may experience, it helps to understand the fundamentals of Social Security.
Contact The Social Security Fraud Hotline
The federal government, particularly the Social Security Administration , has zero tolerance for fraud. The SSA works alongside the Office of the Inspector General to investigate fraud allegations.
The OIG then refers cases to U.S. attorneys with the Department of Justice for prosecution. Together, the SSA and OIG operate the Social Security Fraud Hotline to report instances of fraud.
What does this mean?
If you suspect your SSN or Social Security card was stolen, the SSA wants to know. A stolen Social Security card is akin to someone committing fraud, waste, or abuse against the SSA â just as much as it is a personal violation and financial threat to you.
Hereâs how you do it:
To contact the Social Security Fraud Hotline and alert the OIG of potential fraud, dial 1-800-269-0271. If youâd prefer, you can submit a report online at https://oig.ssa.gov/report/.
You will be asked to include as much detail about the case as possible, including a description of the fraud, when it took place, and how it was committed.
Don’t Miss: Social Security New Port Richey
S To Take When You Lose Your Social Security Card
The USA.gov Social Security Online website recommends that you take the following steps when you have lost your Social Security card:
Step 1: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. You can call 1-877-ID-THEFT or 1-877-438-4338 to file a formal complaint over the phone and learn more about how the FTC is fighting back against identity theft by reading the guides and materials on their website.
Step 2: File a complaint online with the Internet Crime Complaint Center . This organization is committed to helping victims of cyber crime and will send the case to a law enforcement or regulatory agency when necessary.
Step 3: Contact the Internal Revenue Service Identity Protection Unit by calling 1-800-908-4490 so that the Social Security number attached to your tax return isnt being misused.
After you have filed a complaint, its also a good idea to monitor your credit report, bank statements and credit card statements to check for suspicious activity. If you see anything suspicious, contact your bank or creditor immediately to authorize a on your account until you have more information. Read: Should You Get Identity Theft Insurance?
If you dont feel that your identity has been compromised, you can request a replacement card by completing an Application for a Social Security Card and following the instructions from the Social Security Administration here.
How Do Benefits Work And How Can I Qualify
While you work, you pay Social Security taxes. This tax money goes into a trust fund that pays benefits to:
- Those who are currently retired
- To people with disabilities
- To the surviving spouses and children of workers who have died
Each year you work, youll get credits to help you become eligible for benefits when its time for you to retire. Find all the benefits Social Security Administration offers.
There are four main types of benefits that the SSA offers:
-
Learn about earning limits if you plan to work while receiving Social Security benefits
You May Like: Social Security Office Cartersville Ga
You May Like: Social Security Office In Tuscaloosa Alabama
Can’t Find Your Social Security Card Here’s How To Request A New One
If you’ve lost your Social Security card or changed your name recently, you’ll need to replace it as soon as possible.
Katie Teague
Writer
Katie is a writer covering all things how-to at CNET, with a focus on Social Security and notable events. When she’s not writing, she enjoys playing in golf scrambles, practicing yoga and spending time on the lake.
Your Social Security number is needed for a number of things in life to confirm your identity. For instance, when you apply for a new credit card, file your taxes or if you need to verify your identity online. You need your physical Social Security card much less frequently, usually for situations like starting a new job — or if you don’t yet have your number memorized. So if you don’t have it when you need it, you could be in trouble.
If you’ve misplaced your Social Security card or have recently changed your name, you can get a new one. But how you do it depends on whether you need a new one with updated information or a replacement without any changes.
We’ll tell you what you need to get a new Social Security card for either situation. For more, here’s when it’s OK to give out your Social Security number. While you’re here, check out these identity theft protection and monitoring services.
When You Need To Use Social Security Cards
Your card will be your reference for your Social Security number, which you are required to present to employers. While you want to limit who you share your information with, your employers are among the small selection of people who will need your Social Security number. They will need your number so you can accumulate your Social Security benefits while working for them.
If a citizen or other person in the Social Security system has passed away, their Social Security information will need to be shared with the funeral director. The director will then pass the information to the Social Security Administration . You can also report a death directly to your local Social Security office.
Recommended Reading: Forrest City Social Security Office
Can I Get A New Ssn If My Card Was Stolen
Yes, you can change your SSN if your card was stolen â but you may want to think twice about doing so. On many occasions, itâs more beneficial for victims of identity theft to work with the FTC to recover their identity than completely start afresh with a new SSN.
This is because all government agencies â like the IRS and Department of Motor Vehicles â will file your records under your previous SSN.
The same is true for banks and credit reporting companies. Your original SSN is never destroyed itâs often cross-referenced with your new one.
However, receiving a new SSN is essentially like starting your credit from scratch. Without your old credit history you will have no way to prove your financial reliability. The absence of a credit history can make it difficult to receive future credit.
Lastly, you cannot receive a new SSN, even if your Social Security card was lost or stolen, if there is no evidence that someone is using your personal information. Without evidence of criminal activity, you will need to maintain your current SSN.
ð Related: Did You Accidentally Give Your SSN To a Scammer? Here’s What To Do â
Get A New Social Security Card
You can either contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement Social Security card, or register for a MY SSA account online at www.ssa.gov and provide documents as proof of identity. This can include a U.S. birth certificate or passport, hospital record of birth, or a drivers license.
If this isn’t possible for any reason, you’ll need to visit a local Social Security Administration office to obtain a new card or request a new number.
You May Like: Nearest Social Security Administration Office
What Are The First Signs Of Identity Theft
Identity Theft Warning Signs: 9 Unexpected withdrawals or expenses. Medical bills for practitioners youve never seen. You didnt apply for any new credit cards. Your credit report contains errors. collection calls or notifications for unidentified debt. Your credit card or credit application has been rejected. absence of mail or email.
You May Like: Dekalb County Social Security Office
Requesting A Social Security Card For Your Child
Children are prone to losing things and, unfortunately, to identity theft. In fact, our child identity theft research showed that 14 percent of kids have had their identities stolen, which is a concern of over 70 percent of U.S. parents. To get your child a new SS card after it has been lost or stolen, youll need documents proving:
- Your childs identity
- Your childs U.S. citizenship, or immigration status if theyre not a U.S. citizen
- Your custody of or relationship to the child
All of these documents must either be originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. Once youve collected all the necessary documents, complete an SS card application11 and mail it, along with the documents, to your local SSA office or card center.12 Within 10 business days from the date on the receipt, youll receive your childs new SS card.
Don’t Miss: Social Security Disability Earnings Limit 2022
Call One Of The Three Major Credit Bureaus
Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax and explain what happened to your card. To speak to Equifax, call 1-888-766-0008 or visit this page . To contact Experian, call 1-888-397-3742 or go here for a fraud alert or here for a credit freeze. For TransUnion, the phone number is 1-800-680-7289 the fraud-alert link is here and the credit-freeze link is here . The bureau you called will place the fraud alert with the other two bureaus as well. Every 90 days, renew the fraud alert until you are confident that the situation is resolved. Be prepared for this to last several years.
Ive Lost My Social Security Card How Can I Protect Myself
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the damage that thieves can cause even if they have nabbed your Social Security number. Follow the steps below for the most protection from identity theft:
Place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus:
Placing a fraud alert with the three national credit bureaus of Experian, Equifax and TransUnion encourages creditors or lenders to take additional steps to verify that it is you applying for a new loan or credit card and not someone pretending to be you.
If someone applies for a new credit card in your name, the credit card company can call you at a number that you provide. You can then verify if you have applied for the card or if someone is trying to fraudulently open an account in your name.
You only need to place an alert with one of the three credit bureaus. That bureau will contact the other two. Your fraud alert will remain attached to your credit file for one year. You have the option to renew the alert after the one-year period ends.
Best of all? Its free to place a fraud alert. You can contact the bureaus here to place an alert on your credit files:
Order your free credit reports:
You want to identify the signs of identity theft quickly. If you lose your Social Security card, then, you should order copies of your free credit reports one each maintained by Equifax, Experian and TransUnion from AnnualCreditReport.com.
Review your other financial accounts:
Set up new passwords:
Also Check: Social Security Changes In The Future
When Will I Receive My Cola Letter
The Social Security Administration told CNET that it’s sending out letters in the mail throughout the month of December. That means your notice could already be on the way or may have already arrived. We recommend checking your mailbox daily until it arrives.
If you haven’t received it yet, don’t contact the Social Security office. The SSA recommends you wait until January before contacting it about the notice.
Review Your Social Security Statement
Your Social Security Statement is a summary of your earnings and Social Security and Medicare taxes. Criminals who assume your identity with your SSN can indirectly alter your Social Security Statement, especially if they commit tax fraud.
What does this mean?
Your Social Security Statement explains what you can anticipate in Social Security benefits when you reach full retirement age. Itâs based on your earnings, which are reported by you and your employers.
Your earnings are recorded by the SSA throughout your lifetime and are updated each time you or your employers re-report them.
However, your Social Security Statement is only as accurate as your earnings. A criminal who steals your SSN and creates fraudulent identification records or commits tax fraud will drastically alter your earnings. Itâs important to review your statement to flag any unfamiliar activity.
Hereâs how you do it:
To review your Social Security Statement along with the earnings that could signal fraudulent activity, first log into your personal my Social Security account. To access your statement, visit the designated tab: www.ssa.gov/myaccount/statement.html. Report any inconsistencies to the SSA immediately.
ð Related: How To Identify Medicare Scam Calls: Avoid These 7 Scams â
You May Like: E Verify Social Security Number
How Can I Protect My Child Against Identity Theft
One of the best things you can do to provide identity theft protection for your child is to keep their Social Security card stored in a safe and secure place until it is needed. Do not carry the card around with you or allow the child to carry it. Also, you should obtain a free credit report for them each year to monitor their credit history and make sure that nothing suspicious appears on the report.