Lost Social Security Number
Page Article
Social Security card lost or stolen? Apply online for free to get a replacement card.
Report Suspicious Activity Immediately
If you suspect that your SSN or other personal information has been used fraudulently, take action immediately:
- File a report with the FTC: Visit IdentityTheft.gov to report identity theft and create a recovery plan.
- Contact your financial institutions: Notify your bank, credit union, and credit card companies to prevent further unauthorized transactions.
- Place a fraud alert: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports, which warns creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts.
Educate Yourself and Your Family
Knowledge is your best defense against fraud. Stay informed about the latest scams and fraud tactics, and share this information with your friends and family. The more aware you are of the potential risks, the better equipped you’ll be to avoid falling victim to them.
Key areas to focus on include:
- Common fraud schemes: Learn about different types of scams, such as phishing, smishing, and impostor scams.
- Safe online practices: Teach your family how to create strong passwords, recognize phishing attempts, and safely use the internet.
Child Identity Theft: A Growing Concern
While identity theft is a concern for everyone, children are particularly vulnerable because their personal information can be used for years before the crime is detected. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), child ID theft occurs when someone uses a minor’s personal information, such as their SSN, to commit fraud. A thief might use a child’s information to get a job, government benefits, medical care, utilities, or even apply for a car loan or mortgage. The damage can go unnoticed until the child applies for credit, a job, an apartment, or insurance years later.
Warning Signs of Child Identity Theft - Be alert for these signs that someone might be misusing your child’s personal information:
- Denied Government Benefits: Your child is turned down for government benefits because those benefits are being paid to another account using your child’s SSN.
- IRS Notices: You receive a notice from the IRS stating that your child didn’t pay income taxes, or that their SSN was used on another tax return.
- Collection Calls or Bills: Your child receives collection calls or bills for products or services you didn’t receive.
- Denied Bank Accounts or Licenses: Your child is denied a bank account or driver’s license.
- Credit Card and Loan Offers: Receiving credit card or loan offers addressed to your child could indicate their information has been compromised. While occasional offers may be sent mistakenly, a sudden influx is a red flag.
Protecting Your Child’s Identity
- Monitor for Warning Signs: Keep an eye out for any of the warning signs listed above.
- Freeze Their Credit: Consider placing a credit freeze on your child’s credit report to prevent fraudsters from opening accounts in their name.
- Educate Your Child: Teach your child about the importance of protecting their personal information and being cautious online.
Use Call Blocking and Spam Filtering Features
Many fraudsters rely on phone calls and text messages to carry out their schemes. Protect yourself by using call blocking and spam filtering features provided by your mobile carrier.
These features can:
- Reduce unwanted calls: Block spam and scam calls before they reach you.
- Filter suspicious messages: Prevent potentially harmful text messages from landing in your inbox.
Scenarios of How Fraudsters Could Use Your Stolen SSN
Understanding the different ways fraudsters can exploit your SSN can help you stay vigilant. Here are some common scenarios:
- New Account Fraud: Criminals can use your SSN to open new credit cards, take out loans, or even apply for government benefits in your name. This can severely damage your credit score and leave you responsible for debts you didn’t incur.
- Tax Fraud: With your SSN, a fraudster can file a fraudulent tax return in your name, claiming a refund and causing significant delays and complications with your legitimate tax filing.
- Medical Identity Theft: Using your SSN and other personal details, a criminal can receive medical care in your name, leaving you with hefty bills and incorrect medical records that could affect your future care.
- Employment Fraud: Fraudsters can use your SSN to obtain a job, which can result in erroneous tax liabilities for income you never earned and complications with Social Security benefits.
- Criminal Identity Theft: If a fraudster uses your SSN when arrested for a crime, it could result in a criminal record being created in your name, leading to legal troubles and complications in your personal and professional life.
- Loan Application Fraud: Your SSN can be used to apply for personal, auto, or home loans, leaving you with debt and a damaged credit score.
Do you think someone else is using your Social Security number for work? Review your Social Security work history by creating an account at socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. If you find errors, contact your local SSA office.
- If a company responsible for exposing your information offers you free credit monitoring, take advantage of it.
- Get your free credit reports often from annualcreditreport.com. Check for any accounts or charges you don’t recognize.
- Consider placing a credit freeze. A credit freeze makes it harder for someone to open a new account in your name.
- If you place a freeze, be ready to take a few extra steps the next time you apply for a new credit card or cell phone – or any service that requires a credit check.
- If you decide not to place a credit freeze, at least consider placing a fraud alert.
- Try to file your taxes early — before a scammer can. Tax identity theft happens when someone uses your Social Security number to get a tax refund or a job. Respond right away to letters from the IRS.
- Don’t believe anyone who calls and says you’ll be arrested unless you pay for taxes or debt — even if they have part or all of your Social Security number, or they say they’re from the IRS.
Do you need to show your Social Security Card?
Your Social Security card is not an identification document and, in many situations, you only need to know your Social Security number (you do not need to show the physical card).
Evidence for Work - Several documents can be used instead of your Social Security card. Other acceptable evidence includes:
- Birth Certificate
- Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt
- Employment Authorization Document
- Form I-94 or Form I-94A
For Other Benefits - You should not need to show your physical Social Security card to apply for certain benefits. You can simply provide your Social Security number for benefits like:
- Housing
- Health Insurance
- Food Assistance
Evidence for Department of Motor Vehicles or Driver License (REAL ID) - The only state that requires you to show your physical Social Security card is Pennsylvania. For all other states, other acceptable evidence includes:
- W-2 forms
- Form SSA-1099
- Non-SSA-1099 forms
- Pay Stubs
For Tax Purposes - You do not need your Social Security card, you only need to know your Social Security number.