What to do if your SSN is stolen?

You may reach the FTC's identity theft hotline toll free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or visit their website at www.ftc.gov/idtheft. Additional Resources: Protecting Your Social Security Number from Identity Theft.

Can you put a freeze on your Social Security number?

There are measures you can take to help prevent further unauthorized use of your SSN and other personal information. You can lock your SSN by calling the Social Security Administration or by creating an E-Verify account. Also, you can contact all three of the nationwide CRAs to place a freeze on your credit reports.

Can you get a new Social Security number if yours is stolen?

You can't change your Social Security number simply because your card has been lost or stolen, or to avoid bankruptcy or legitimate debts. The only other reasons Social Security will consider assigning a new number are: Sequential numbers assigned to members of your family are causing confusion.

How do I put a lock on my Social Security number?

If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).

How much does it cost to freeze your Social Security number?

There is NO COST to place or lift a security freeze. For more information, see detailed instructions entitled “Placing a Security Freeze on Your Credit Report to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft” below.

Steps you should take if your social security number’s stolen

How can I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number?

Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 1-800-908-4490 or visit them online, if you believe someone is using your SSN to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes.

What happens if someone loses their Social Security number?

What do I do if my Social Security card or number is stolen or lost? 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.

Should I worry if I lost my Social Security card?

Your card lists out both your full name and Social Security number, and with these two pieces of information, a thief can easily wreak havoc on your finances. A lost Social Security card is all someone needs to open accounts, file fraudulent tax returns, get healthcare under your name, and a whole lot more.

What does freezing my SSN do?

A “security freeze” blocks access to your credit unless you have given your permission. This can prevent an identity thief from opening a new account or getting credit in your name.

How do I flag my Social Security number to the IRS?

If you believe someone may have used your SSN fraudulently, please notify IRS immediately by responding to the name and number printed on the notice or letter. You will need to fill out the IRS Identity Theft Affidavit, Form 14039.

Can your SSN be canceled?

SSA does not delete, destroy, rescind, inactivate, or cancel SSNs once they are assigned.

Can your SSN get Cancelled?

— No, your Social Security number cannot be suspended, revoked, frozen or blocked. It anyone tells you that, hang up immediately. — No government agencies — not the IRS, SSA or Medicare — will ask you to wire money, send cash or buy gift cards as a form of payment.

Can you get your SSN suspended?

Social Security Numbers don't get suspended. The scammers say the SSN was suspended because it was connected to fraud or other criminal activity and tell the victim he/she needs to call a number where the victim can provide confidential information to reactivate the number.

Can you change your SSN?

To request a different Social Security number, contact your local Social Security office for an in-person appointment.

Can someone open a credit card in my name without my Social Security number?

An identity thief would have to obtain personal details such as your name, birthdate and Social Security number in order to open a credit card in your name. However, it is a federal crime to do this, and it can result in jail time when the thief is caught for their behavior.

How does the FBI contact you?

An official FBI special agent will never provide you with a badge number or telephone number to attempt to verify their identity without additional verification. Instead, they will direct you to the official FBI website www.FBI.gov to locate the local field office's telephone number and encourage you to make a call.

How do I stop someone from filing my taxes in my name?

How can I find out if someone is using my identity?

What happens when someone steals your identity and filed taxes?

If you mail in your tax return you will likely receive a written notice from the IRS. Use IRS Form 14039 to alert the IRS that someone has filed a return using your identification. The IRS may send you a "Letter 5071C" asking that you verify your identity.

What are the first signs of identity theft?

How long does it take IRS to investigate identity theft?

The IRS takes identity theft seriously and is committed to resolving identity theft cases as quickly as possible and are taking steps to reduce this timeframe to 120 days or less. You will be contacted when your case is resolved.

Who is financially responsible for paying if your identity is stolen?

If you report your identity theft to the FTC within two business days of discovering it, you will only be liable to pay $50 of any unauthorized use of your bank and credit accounts (under federal law). The longer you leave it, the more that financial liability falls on your shoulders.

How do I know if my identity is being used without my knowledge?

Changes in your credit score can indicate identity theft. For example, if someone takes out utility bills in your name and doesn't pay them, your credit score may dip. Checking your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion can help pinpoint the problem.

Does freezing your credit report prevent identity theft?

A security freeze, also known as a credit freeze, is one way you can help protect your personal information against fraud or identity theft.

What are the 3 types of identity theft?

The three most common types of identity theft are financial, medical and online.