Here’s what to do if your Social Security number has been stolen
Has your Social Security number been stolen? Here is what you can do.
Having one’s Social Security number (SSN) stolen can have devastating consequences for identity theft. For that reason, it is critical that one’s Social Security card, where the number is written, be kept in a safe place and that individuals only provide it to organizations where they know that the information will be protected. Never provide your Social Security number over e-mail or text, and if asked for it over the phone, be weary because such requests should only be made by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, at times, banks where you are an account holder.
The SSA warns that even when individuals take all precautions necessary to protect their SSN from scammers through large-scale hacks, this data can be stolen in mass if a thief is able to steal “personal information you provide to an unsecured site online, from business or personnel records at work, and personal information in your home.”
What to do if your SSN is stolen?
First things first. Get in contact with the SSA.
If you believe someone else is using your SSN on purpose or by mistake, the SSA advises you to “review earnings posted to your record on your Social Security Statement.” If you do not have a SSA account, you can open one if you are eighteen or older. Once you create your account and log in, you can press “Statement.” If you notice irregularities in your statements or are having trouble with the online portal, you should call the SSA “to report the problem,” and an agent can help you by “review[ing] your earnings with you to ensure our records are correct.”
If you suspect someone is using your number for work purposes, you should contact us to report the problem. We’ll review your earnings with you to ensure our records are correct.
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Make sure you are protecting yourself against identity theft! https://t.co/kLJMz39gZ5
— Social Security (@SocialSecurity) October 14, 2023
Identity Theft... what are my options?
Identity theft is a much more complicated situation than a person stealing or misusing one’s SSN for employment purposes. The SSA cannot do much for someone when their identity is stolen, including their SSN and bank account information.
The first step when one’s identity has been stolen is to visit IdentityTheft.gov. This is a government website that allows users “to report identity theft and get a recovery plan.” This service is offered by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), an agency set up to protect the country’s consumers. You can also get in touch with the FTC over the phone at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338); TTY 1-866-653-4261.
To avoid a thief using your SSN to file a tax return and claim a possible refund that you would be entitled to, it is critical that you contact the Internal Revenue Service to report that your SSN has been stolen. If the SSN is being used by another worker, and they file a tax return using your number, when you go to file, it can appear like you have an income of $0. For support related to the IRS and identity theft, visit this webpage.
The last thing that can be done is to make a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, which “gives victims of cybercrime a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of suspected criminal or civil violations.”
Requesting a new Social Security number...
After working with the FTC and exhausting options to regain control over your SSN, there is still the possibility of the SSA issuing you a new number. However, this is a last resort. However, if there is no proof that someone is using your SSN, a new one will not be distributed. Additionally, a new SSN cannot be solicited “to avoid the consequences of filing for bankruptcy.”