Social Security Number Theft is on the Rise
As technology rapidly advances, so does crime. Unfortunately, one of the fastest and most destructive forms of theft is identity theft. Identity thieves are using sophisticated techniques to access and unlawfully use victims’ social security numbers to take out loans and credit cards, initiate fraudulent phone and internet accounts, receive government services, and assume identities, among other activities. It’s estimated that over 1 million people have had their social security numbers stolen. Here’s what to do if your social security number is stolen:
Identify Signs of Potential SSN Theft
The best way to protect yourself is to be aware of the signs of potential social security number theft. If you receive bills or other mail that reflects charges you did not make, it’s possible your social security number has been stolen. You may also see unexpected changes in your bank account or credit report. Additionally, if you suddenly start getting notices of unpaid taxes or benefits for which you did not apply, it could also be a sign of SSN theft.
Check Your Credit Report
Once you suspect that your social security number has been stolen, it’s important to take immediate action. Your first step should be to check your credit report. By law, you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report from the three major credit reporting agencies (CRAs) – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – every year. You can get copies of your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com. When you receive your reports, go over them carefully and look for suspicious activity, such as accounts you don’t recognize, inquiries from companies you don’t remember, or changes to personal information.
File an Identity Theft Report
If you find any suspicious activity on your credit report, you should file an identity theft report. An identity theft report will help you protect yourself against identity theft by providing you with certain legal rights. You can file an identity theft report online or go to your local police department, or you can contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and they will help you file one.
Fraud Alerts and Freezes
Once you file an identity theft report, you can place a fraud alert on your credit report. When you place a fraud alert, you are entitled to a copy of your credit report from each of the CRAs for free. Additionally, you may place a security freeze on your credit report, which will prevent any new accounts from being opened in your name. Since a security freeze can impact your ability to apply for certain accounts, you may want to place a fraud alert instead.
Report the Theft to the Social Security Administration
Once you have obtained additional copies of your credit report and placed a fraud alert or freeze, the next step is to report the theft to the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can do this online at ssa.gov/myaccount/. When you report the theft, the SSA will mark your Social Security Number as fraudulently taken and issue you a new number.
Contact the Identity Theft Resource Center
If you’ve been the victim of identity theft, you may want to contact the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC). ITRC is a non-profit organization that provides free and confidential assistance to victims of identity theft. They can provide you with step-by-step guidance on what you need to do to protect yourself and recover from identity theft.
Change Passwords and Account Information
Once you’ve obtained assistance from the ITRC and reported the theft to the SSA, it’s important to take additional steps to protect your accounts from further compromise. You should change the passwords and security questions on all of your accounts, including bank, credit card and other accounts. You should also contact each of the accounts you have opened to update your personal information, such as your address and phone number.
Protect Yourself from Further SSN Theft
Finally, it’s important to protect yourself from further SSN theft. You should make sure you are careful not to give out your social security number online or over the phone. You should also sign up for a credit monitoring service, which will help you detect any suspicious activity on your credit report. Additionally, make sure you keep your personal information safe and secure by setting strong passwords and using two-factor authentication if available.
Taking Precaution is Key
Stolen social security numbers can wreak havoc on a person’s life and leave them feeling helpless. However, if your social security number is stolen, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. The key is to make sure you stay vigilant and take preventive measures such as monitoring your credit report, changing your passwords and account information, and signing up for credit monitoring services. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your personal information and identity remain secure.
