What to do if Someone Has Your Social Security Number?

If someone has your Social Security Number (SSN), it could lead to identity theft, fraudulent accounts opened in your name, or misuse in various other ways. Taking prompt and decisive action can help mitigate potential damage. Here are steps you should consider:

1. Contact the Major Credit Reporting Agencies: Immediately contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Request to place a fraud alert on your credit reports. This alert will make it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name. Consider placing a credit freeze, which blocks access to your credit reports.
2. Report Identity Theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Go to IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338. The FTC will guide you through a recovery plan and help you create an identity theft report. This report can be useful when dealing with police, creditors, and any legal actions.
3. File a Report with Your Local Police Department: While local police might not be able to take action if the thief is in a different jurisdiction, having a police report can be helpful when dealing with creditors or as evidence in case of legal issues.
4. Contact Financial Institutions: Inform your banks, credit card issuers, and any other financial institutions where you have accounts. They can monitor your accounts for suspicious activity, replace cards, and change account numbers if necessary.
5. Secure Your Social Security Administration (SSA) Account: Create or log into your “my Social Security” account at ssa.gov to monitor for any unusual activity related to your Social Security benefits or earnings record.
6. Review Your Credit Reports Regularly: After placing a fraud alert, you’re entitled to free credit reports from the three major credit bureaus. Review them for any accounts or transactions you don’t recognize.
7. Change Passwords and Secure Online Accounts: Update passwords, PINs, and security questions for your online accounts, especially those related to banking and email. Consider using a password manager and enabling two-factor authentication where available.
8. Beware of Phishing Scams: Be extra cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, and messages. Scammers might have some of your information and attempt to gather more.
9. Monitor Your Accounts and Statements: Keep a close eye on your financial statements, bills, and accounts for any unauthorized transactions or accounts opened in your name.
10. Consider Identity Theft Protection Services: These services monitor your credit and personal information for signs of unauthorized activity and may offer insurance or assistance in case of identity theft.

If someone has your Social Security Number, it’s crucial to act swiftly to mitigate potential risks and protect your identity.

Contact The Credit Bureaus

Begin by contacting the major credit reporting agencies—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to place a fraud alert on your credit reports. This makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. Consider a credit freeze, which completely restricts access to your credit reports.

• Equifax
  • 1-800-525-6285
  • www.equifax.com
• TransUnion
  • 1-800-680-7289
  • www.transunion.com
• Experian
  • 1-888-397-3742
  • www.experian.com

Report to The FTC

Report the stolen social security number to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through IdentityTheft.gov or by calling them. The FTC will provide you with a recovery plan and help you create an identity theft report, useful for dealing with police and creditors. Also, filing a report with your local police department can be helpful, even if they can’t catch the thief, as it provides official documentation of the crime.

Contact Banks and Financial Institutions

Inform your banks, credit card issuers, and any other financial institutions where you hold accounts. They can monitor your accounts for suspicious activities and take necessary precautions like replacing cards or changing account numbers. Secure your Social Security Administration account by either creating or logging into your “my Social Security” account online to monitor for suspicious activities related to your benefits or earnings record.

Review Credit Reports

Regularly reviewing your credit reports is essential after placing a fraud alert. You’re entitled to free reports from the three major bureaus, which you should scrutinize for unrecognized accounts or transactions. Additionally, update passwords, PINs, and security questions for your online accounts, particularly those related to banking and email, to further secure your information. Be vigilant about phishing scams, as scammers might already have some of your information and attempt to gather more.

Establish Identity and Financial Monitoring

Monitoring your accounts and financial statements closely for any unauthorized transactions or unfamiliar accounts is also vital. Lastly, consider enrolling in identity theft protection services, which monitor your credit and personal information for signs of unauthorized activity and offer support in case of identity theft. Acting promptly and methodically is key to minimizing the impact of having your Social Security Number compromised.

Final Thoughts

Taking these steps can help protect your identity and financial health. If you’re dealing with identity theft, remember it’s a process, and staying proactive is key to minimizing damage and recovering your identity.