Can Someone Get My Bank Account With My Social Security Number?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

How do I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number?

at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or go to: www.identitytheft.gov/ To order a copy of your Social Security Administration earnings and benefits statement, or to check whether someone has used your Social Security number to get a job or to avoid paying taxes, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/statement/ .

Can someone open a bank account with my Social Security number?

In person, a bank may also accept a physical Social Security card, passport or Real ID in addition to your Social Security number . Someone might also try to use your Social Security number to open new financial accounts. They may have some success getting a credit card or loans under your name with your ssn.

Can someone steal your money with your 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. ... The Social Security Administration protects your Social Security number and keeps your records confidential.

What can a hacker do with your Social Security number?

Your stolen SSN can be used to open fraudulent credit card accounts, divert or fraudulently collect benefits and commit workplace fraud , among other forms of deceit. Throw in your name, birth date and driver’s license number, and it’s exponentially easier for someone to pretend to be you.

Should I be worried if someone has my Social Security number?

If you suspect somebody has your Social Security Number — whether they stole it from a company (like Equifax) or you gave it to them voluntarily — it’s important to set up credit monitoring . Typically your bank or the company that was breached will provide this to you for free.

Can you put a freeze on your Social Security number?

People generally freeze a Social Security number in case of identity theft; however, the service is available to anyone . ... Step 2: Go online — the fastest way to freeze a Social Security number is to go straight to the websites of all three major credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.

What happens if someone gets your SSN?

Once hackers or thieves have your SSN, they can make false statements on claims, file claims under your SSN, file fraudulent tax returns for refunds, open bank accounts and credit cards and more . A SSN, especially one with a good credit score attached, can be used to extract serious money quickly via these scams.

What can someone do with my SSN and DOB?

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, they use the credit cards and don’t pay the bills, it damages your credit.

What should I do if my SSN is stolen?

  1. File a police report or a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Report. ...
  2. If you believe your identity has already been used, you can also contact the Social Security Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

Can you change your 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 protect my Social Security number?

  1. Ask Why They Want It and How It Will Be Handled. ...
  2. Leave Your Card at Home. ...
  3. Shred Mail and Documents With Personal Details. ...
  4. Don’t Use Your SSN as a Password. ...
  5. Don’t Send Your SSN via an Electronic Device. ...
  6. Don’t Give It out to Strangers. ...
  7. Monitor Your Bank and Credit Card Accounts.

What to do if someone has last 4 digits of SSN?

This report can help prevent future fraud that the thief may commit. If someone has already used your SSN for fraudulent purposes, call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

Can someone have the same last 4 digits of SSN?

Only the last four digits of your Social Security number are truly random and unique . The first five numbers represent when and where your Social Security card was issued. Scammers can figure out the first five numbers by determining your birth date and hometown.

What do you do if someone uses your Social Security number?

If you know your Social Security number has been stolen, here are some additional steps to take: 1. File a police report or a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Report . This will help in case someone uses your Social Security number to commit fraud, since it will provide a legal record of the theft.

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

  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.
Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.