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

Asked by: Misael Kunde  |  Last update: September 3, 2022
Score: 4.4/5 (26 votes)

If you believe someone is using your Social Security number to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes, contact the IRS online or call 1-800-908-4490.

What happens if someone has my Social Security number?

A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, when they use the credit cards and don't pay the bills, it damages your credit.

Can you put a freeze on your Social Security number?

Freezing Your Social Security Number

First, you'll need to create an account on E-Verify, which is managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Once you do, follow the prompts to freeze your SSN. Then, file a police report. Immediately after freezing, contact the authorities.

Can someone access my bank account with my Social Security number?

They can use your SSN to open a bank account in your name.

That means that anyone with your SSN can easily open a bank account in your name, especially if the identity thief already obtained a driver's license in your name.

What do I do if I gave a scammer my Social Security number?

Credit freeze.

If you provided a scammer with your Social Security Number directly, or you already think your number was used fraudulently, you will need to act more urgently. You can place a credit freeze on your account with the three credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Transunion and Experian.

What To Do If Your Social Security Number is Stolen

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Can I change my SSN?

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 know if my Social Security number has been stolen?

Telltale signs that your social security number has been hacked
  1. #1: Unexplainable changes in your credit score. ...
  2. #2: Inaccurate banking information. ...
  3. #3: Changes in your email/snail mail. ...
  4. #4: False employment records. ...
  5. #5: Correspondence from the IRS. ...
  6. #6: Messages from credit agencies. ...
  7. #7: A fraudulent tax return.

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

What you can do to detect identity theft
  1. Track what bills you owe and when they're due. If you stop getting a bill, that could be a sign that someone changed your billing address.
  2. Review your bills. ...
  3. Check your bank account statement. ...
  4. Get and review your credit reports.

How can I protect my Social Security number for free?

Here are 10 things you can do to safeguard your SSN:
  1. Offer an Alternative Form of ID. ...
  2. Ask Why They Want It and How It Will Be Handled. ...
  3. Leave Your Card at Home. ...
  4. Shred Mail and Documents With Personal Details. ...
  5. Don't Use Your SSN as a Password. ...
  6. Don't Send Your SSN via an Electronic Device. ...
  7. Don't Give It out to Strangers.

Do police Investigate identity theft?

The police will ask for your FTC identity theft report as part of their reporting process, and other entities like financial institutions or credit card companies might want the FTC report as well.

What are the first signs of identity theft?

9 Signs of Identity Theft
  • Unexplained charges or withdrawals. ...
  • Medical bills for doctors you haven't visited. ...
  • New credit cards you didn't apply for. ...
  • Errors on your credit report. ...
  • Collection notices or calls for unknown debt. ...
  • Your credit card or application for credit is denied. ...
  • Missing mail or email.

Can two people have the same Social Security number?

"Social Security numbers can be associated with multiple individuals, and that individuals can have multiple SSNs associated with them.

How much is it to change your Social Security number?

There is no charge for a Social Security card. This service is free. Please read our Coronavirus (COVID-19) information page to learn about changes to Social Security number card requests during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Can someone have the same last 4 digits of SSN?

Out of 119 people, there is a 50% chance that two of them will have the same last 4 digits in their SSN. Out of 180 people, there is a 80% chance that two of them will have the same last 4 digits in their SSN.

How can I get a second Social Security number and start over legally?

People who want to ask for a new Social Security number must:
  1. Apply in person at a Social Security office;
  2. Complete an application;
  3. Provide a statement explaining the reasons for needing a new number;
  4. Provide current, credible, third-party evidence documenting the reasons for needing a new number; and.

What should a person do if their identity has been stolen?

What to Do If Your Identity Is Stolen
  1. File a claim with your identity theft insurance.
  2. Notify companies of your stolen identity.
  3. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission.
  4. Contact your local police department.
  5. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
  6. Freeze your credit.
  7. Sign up for a credit monitoring service.

Can you recover from identity theft?

On average, it can take 100 to 200 hours over six months to undo identity theft. The recovery process may involve working with the three major credit bureaus to request a fraud alert; reviewing your credit reports to pinpoint fraudulent activity; and reporting the theft.

Can someone steal your identity with the last 4 of your social?

As long as a hacker or scammer has access to other personal information such as your name and address, they can use the last four digits of your SSN (in most cases) to open accounts in your name, steal your money and government benefits, or even get healthcare and tax refunds in your name.

What do the 2 middle numbers in Social Security mean?

Within each area, the group number (middle two (2) digits) range from 01 to 99 but are not assigned in consecutive order. For administrative reasons, group numbers issued first consist of the ODD numbers from 01 through 09 and then EVEN numbers from 10 through 98, within each area number allocated to a State.

What do the first 3 digits of your Social Security mean?

The first three (3) digits of a person's social security number are determined by the ZIP Code of the mailing address shown on the application for a social security number. Prior to 1973, social security numbers were assigned by our field offices.

Is it okay to give SSN to bank?

You'll want to keep your number private and still get the information you need. Some banks have keypads, which allow customers to type in their own Social Security number so they don't have to speak the number out loud. If this isn't an option, ask the teller or representative for a scratch sheet of paper.

Should I give my bank my Social Security number?

The answer is yes. To open an account with a U.S financial institution, you must provide your SSN. The banks use your SSN to evaluate your credit report and to send information about your interest and investment income/losses to the IRS.

Do I have to give my bank my Social Security number?

Yes, in certain circumstances. A bank may be required to obtain an identification number for several kinds of banking-related activities, including: When opening an account. For monetary (deposit and loan) transactions.

Can two people have the same Social Security number?

"Social Security numbers can be associated with multiple individuals, and that individuals can have multiple SSNs associated with them.

What can someone do with the last 4 digits of your SSN?

As long as a hacker or scammer has access to other personal information such as your name and address, they can use the last four digits of your SSN (in most cases) to open accounts in your name, steal your money and government benefits, or even get healthcare and tax refunds in your name.