If your Social Security card has been stolen or lost, there are several things you should keep in mind that can save you from many undesirable situations. The Social Security number (SSN) can be used for processes such as applying for jobs, paying taxes, receiving government benefits, or even opening lines of credit. That is why, if you face the loss or theft of this card, it is important to take action. To prevent identity fraud from identity theft, you should report the loss or theft to the police department. Next, inform the Social Security Administration, either by phone or through your personal portal.
To avoid tax fraud or benefits fraud in your name, it is essential that you notify the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of your situation. To minimize the impact of the consequences of a lost or stolen Social Security card, you should request a free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com to review Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion reports for suspicious activity. It is also recommended that you request a credit freeze to prevent new credit accounts from being opened in your name. Remember, this is not a risk-free situation, as someone else having your personal information can lead to it ending up on the deep web or opening fraudulent credit accounts in your name.
Theft or loss of your SSA card
Losing or having your Social Security card stolen is not a trivial matter, as it can put your short- and long-term financial security at risk. There are a number of measures you should be aware of if this happens. It is true that in the United States there is little need to use the physical card, but the information it contains is important. In fact, the risk lies in someone other than you gaining access to your Social Security number (SSN), as this information is necessary to carry out practically all formal procedures. The theft or loss of your card can lead to situations such as identity theft, tax fraud, or financial problems, so you must act quickly.
What risks can arise?
The real danger of this situation is that your personal information, especially your Social Security number, could end up in the hands of those who might sell it on the deep web, open fraudulent credit card or loan accounts, or take over your financial profiles. If your identity is stolen, they could file tax returns in your name and collect the refunds, as well as apply for government aid or any other type of fraudulent transaction in your name.
That is why it is important to notify the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to prevent this from happening. The obtaining of your personal data is also being carried out through other methods, such as deceptive phone calls or “vishing” schemes. That is why it is important that you remember the instructions from the Social Security Administration (SSA), “If there is a legitimate problem with your number or account, the Social Security Administration will send you a letter with your Social Security number”.
First steps
First, you should report it to the police department, reporting the loss or theft and filing a report of what happened. Next, you should notify the Social Security Administration (SSA), either by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or through your My Social Security portal.
What more can I do to protect my finances?
Once you have reported the situation to the police, the Social Security Administration, and the IRS, there are still things you can do. It is important to monitor your financial records to prevent further damage. Take notes:
- Request a free credit report. You can do this through AnnualCreditReport.com, and you will be able to review the reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion for suspicious activities.
- File a fraud alert. This will require creditors to verify your identity before carrying out any transactions in your name. You can do this by contacting any credit agency.
- Credit freeze. This will prevent new credit accounts from being opened in your name.
- Regularly check your financial and bank data. Unauthorized movements in your accounts or charges may occur, so you should report any irregularities.
- Check the Social Security earnings statement. Through the Social Security website, you should verify whether fraudulent earnings are being reported in your history.
- Identity theft protection services. These are services you can hire to continuously monitor your activities for fraud.