What do I do if someone steals my Social Security?

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.

What happens if hackers get your Social Security number?

Your stolen SSN can be used to open fraudulent credit card accounts, divert or fraudulently collect benefits and commit workplace fraud, among other forms of deceit. Throw in your name, birth date and driver’s license number, and it’s exponentially easier for someone to pretend to be you.

Can you put a freeze on your Social Security number?

People generally freeze a Social Security number in case of identity theft; however, the service is available to anyone. Step 1: File a police report — if you are a victim of identity theft, it is best to have a copy of the police report to qualify for a security freeze free of charge.

How did my Social Security number get stolen?

In addition to a breach, your Social Security number could also be stolen from documents in your mailbox, your trash can or by someone fraudulently posing as a representative of a trusted institution.

What do I do if someone has my Social Security number?

File a police report or a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Report. This will help in case someone uses your Social Security number to commit fraud, since it will provide a legal record of the theft.

How do you put an alert on your Social Security number?

How to put a flag on your social security number or credit report

Contact one of the three credit reporting agencies (Transunion, Equifax, or Experian).
After a few days, check with the other two credit bureaus to verify that they’ve received the fraud alert as well.

What can someone do with my SSN?

They can use your SSN to get a loan in your name. Then, using the data, an identity thief could get a loan in your name — and never pay it back. This is not only bad for your credit, Weisman said, but it can also affect your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, get insurance or obtain a loan.

How do hackers get your SSN?

Cyber thieves hack into your online accounts and steal your Social Security Number and use it to take out credit cards or loans. Another way your Social is getting ripped off: Typos. Then, that wrong Social is forever connected to you and the rightful owner of the number.

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.

How do I stop someone from using my Social Security number?

It’s a one-stop resource managed by the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency. You can also call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338); TTY 1-866-653-4261. or call 1-800-908-4490. Also, you should file an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.

How would someone get my Social Security number?

They could gain your Social Security number by exploiting data breaches, sifting through the trash for personal documents, or using any number of other approaches. The thieves can then sell your identity to the highest bidder on the dark web.

What happens if you get your Social Security number stolen?

Revenue Service (IRS). An identity thief also might use your Social Security number to file a tax return to receive your refund. If you’re eligible for a refund, a thief could file a tax return before you do and get your refund. Then, when you do file, the IRS will think you already received your refund. If your Social Security number is stolen,

How does the Social Security Administration deal with fraud?

Social Security has zero tolerance for fraud. We aggressively investigate and prosecute those who commit fraud against our programs. Social Security is diligently working at national, regional, and local levels to combat the fraud that undermines our mission to serve the American public. OIG conducts investigations of allegations of SSA fraud.

How to report a problem with your Social Security number?

Report Social Security phone, email, and text scams through our dedicated online form. The caller or sender says there is a problem with your Social Security number or account. Any call, text, or email asking you to pay a fine or debt with retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or by mailing cash.

How can I get a new Social Security card if I lost it?

Getting a replacement lost or stolen Social Security number (SSN) card has never been easier. As long as you’re only requesting a replacement card, and no other changes, you can use our free online services anytime, anywhere. All you need to do is log in to or create your personal my Social Security account.