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. You can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).
How do I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number?
To see if your Social Security number is being used by someone else for employment purposes, review your Social Security Statement at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to look for suspicious activity. Finally, you’ll want to use additional scrutiny by regularly checking your bank and credit card accounts online.
How do I stop someone from using my Social Security number?
Go to www.ftc.gov ; Call 1-877-438-4338 (TTY 1-866-653-4261); or. Send mail to: FTC, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580.
What do I do if someone is using my Social Security number?
- Stay cool and focused. ...
- Contact the credit reporting agencies. ...
- Get a copy of your credit report. ...
- Contact each creditor. ...
- Contact the Federal Trade Commission. ...
- Contact the Social Security Administration.
How do I report someone using my Social Security number?
- File a police report or a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Report. ...
- If you believe your identity has already been used, you can also contact the Social Security Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.
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 someone access my 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 use my SSN with their name?
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.
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 to do if you know who stole your identity?
- File a claim with your identity theft insurance, if applicable.
- Notify companies of your stolen identity.
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission.
- Contact your local police department.
- Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
- Freeze your credit.
Can you get a new Social Security number after identity theft?
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: ... Another person was assigned or is using your number.
What can someone do with my SSN and DOB?
- Open Financial Accounts. Your Social Security number is the most important piece of personal information a bank needs when extending you credit or opening an account. ...
- Get Medical Care. ...
- File a Fraudulent Tax Refund. ...
- Commit Crimes. ...
- Steal Your Benefits.
Does Social Security call you about legal action?
Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money. Social Security may call you in some situations, but will never: Threaten you.
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.
Can someone access my bank account without my Social Security number?
You are not required to have a social security number to open a checking or savings account . To open a checking or savings account, the bank or credit union will need to verify your name, date of birth, address, and ID number.
What bank is my Social Security number linked to?
Your SSN is tied to Social Security Administration which is tied directly to the Federal Reserve System , which is privately owned by stock-holding banks, one of which is Barclay’s, a Royal Britich Bank, as well as several American banks, which are also British owned and controlled.
