{"id":130687,"date":"2024-05-07T06:04:51","date_gmt":"2024-05-07T13:04:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/?p=130687"},"modified":"2024-06-21T10:48:37","modified_gmt":"2024-06-21T17:48:37","slug":"how-to-report-identity-theft-to-social-security","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/privacy-identity-protection\/how-to-report-identity-theft-to-social-security\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Report Identity Theft to Social Security"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In the hands of a thief, your Social Security Number is the\u00a0master\u00a0key\u00a0to your identity.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With\u00a0a Social Security Number (SSN),\u00a0a thief\u00a0can unlock everything from\u00a0credit\u00a0history\u00a0and\u00a0credit line\u00a0to\u00a0tax refunds and\u00a0medical care.\u00a0In\u00a0extreme\u00a0cases, thieves can\u00a0use it to impersonate others.\u00a0So,\u00a0if you suspect your number is lost or stolen, it\u2019s\u00a0important\u00a0to report identity theft to Social Security right away.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Part of what makes an SSN so powerful in identity theft is that there\u2019s only one like it. Unlike a compromised credit card, you can\u2019t hop on the phone and get a replacement.\u00a0No question, the theft of your SSN has serious implications. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/en-us\/identity-theft\/protection.html?path=blogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">If you suspect it, report it<\/a>.\u00a0So,\u00a0let\u2019s\u00a0take a look\u00a0at\u00a0how it can happen and how you can report identity theft to Social Security if it does.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Can I change my Social Security number?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Yes. Sort of.\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/faq.ssa.gov\/en-us\/Topic\/article\/KA-02220\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Social Security Administration can assign a new SSN in a limited number of cases<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. However, per the SSA, \u201cWhen we assign a different Social Security number, we do not destroy the original number. We cross-refer the new number with the original number to make sure the person receives credit for all earnings under both numbers.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In other words, your SSN is effectively for forever, which means if it\u2019s stolen, you\u2019re still faced with clearing up any of the malicious activity associated with the theft potentially for quite some time. That\u2019s yet another reason why the protection of your SSN deserves particular attention.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How does Social Security identity theft happen?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are several ways an\u00a0SSN can\u00a0end up with\u00a0a thief.\u00a0Some involve physical theft,\u00a0and\u00a0others\u00a0can\u00a0take the digital route.\u00a0To what extent are SSNs at risk?\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/enforcement\/cases-proceedings\/refunds\/equifax-data-breach-settlement\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Notably, there was the Equifax breach of 2017, which exposed\u00a0some 147 million\u00a0SSNs<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Yet just because an\u00a0SSN has been potentially exposed does not mean that an identity crime has been committed with it.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So,\u00a0let\u2019s start with the basics:\u00a0how do SSNs get stolen or exposed?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A lost or misplaced wallet is one way, where you\u00a0actually lose\u00a0your SSN\u00a0card\u00a0or\u00a0someone steals it. This is one reason to avoid carrying it on your person unless\u00a0absolutely necessary.\u00a0Otherwise, keep it stored in a safe and secure location until you need it,\u00a0like\u00a0when starting a new job.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Old-fashioned dumpster diving is another, where someone will rummage through your trash, the trash of a business, or even a public dump in search of personal information, which is why it\u2019s important to shred any documents that have personal information listed.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">People can simply overhear you provide your number when you\u2019re on a call or over the course of an in-person conversation.\u00a0In our digital age, we may not think of eavesdropping as\u00a0much of\u00a0a threat, but it still very much is.\u00a0That\u2019s why we strongly recommend\u00a0providing\u00a0such info\u00a0in a secure, private location\u00a0out of earshot.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">SSNs can get stolen from a place of work, where thieves end up with unsecured documents or information. The same could go for your home, which is another reason to secure your physical SSN cards and any information \u2013 physical or digital \u2013 that contains them.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Phishing attacks can also lead to SSN theft, whether that\u2019s through an attack aimed at you or at a business that has access to your personal information like SSNs.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Data leaks, like the Equifax leak mentioned above, are another way. Yet while the Equifax breach involved millions of records, smaller breaches can expose SSNs just as readily,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hipaajournal.com\/july-2021-healthcare-data-breach-report\/#:~:text=Over%20the%20past%2012%20months,has%20been%20exposed%20or%20compromised.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">like the breaches that have plagued many healthcare providers and hospitals over the past year<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">That\u2019s quite the list. Broadly speaking, the examples above give good reasons for keeping your SSN as private and secure as possible. With that, it\u2019s helpful to know that there are only a handful of situations where your SSN is required for legitimate purposes, which can help you make decisions about how and when to give it out. The list of required cases is relatively short, such as:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When applying for credit or a loan.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/affordable-care-act\/questions-and-answers-about-reporting-social-security-numbers-to-your-health-insurance-company\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Applying for or changing\u00a0group\u00a0health care coverage<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0with an insurance provider.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Transactions that require IRS notification,\u00a0like working with investment firms, real estate purchases, auto purchases, etc.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Registering with a business as a full-time or contract employee (for tax reporting purposes).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You\u2019ll notice that places\u00a0like doctor\u2019s offices and other businesses\u00a0are not listed here, though they\u2019ll often\u00a0request an\u00a0SSN for identification purposes.\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/faq.ssa.gov\/en-us\/Topic\/article\/KA-02232#:~:text=Businesses%2C%20banks%2C%20schools%2C%20private,different%20number%20if%20you%20ask.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">While there\u2019s no law preventing them from asking you for that information, they may refuse to work with you if you do not provide that info<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. In such cases, ask what the SSN would be used for and if there is another form of identification that they can use instead.\u00a0In all, your SSN is uniquely yours, so be\u00a0extremely\u00a0cautious\u00a0in order\u00a0to minimize its potential exposure to theft.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How to report identity theft to Social Security in three steps<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Let\u2019s say you spot something unusual on your credit report or get\u00a0a\u00a0notification that someone has filed a tax return on your behalf without your knowledge.\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/consumer-cyber-awareness\/top-signs-of-identity-theft\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">These are possible signs that your identity, if not\u00a0your\u00a0SSN, is in jeopardy, which means it\u2019s time to<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0act right away\u00a0using the steps below:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>1. Report the theft to local and federal authorities.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">File a police report\u00a0and\u00a0a\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.identitytheft.gov\/#\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Report<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. This will help in case someone uses your Social Security number to commit fraud since it will provide a legal record of the theft. The FTC can also assist by guiding you through the identity theft recovery process as well. Their site really is an excellent resource.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">2. Contact the businesses involved.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Get in touch with the fraud department at each of the businesses where you suspect theft has taken place,\u00a0let them know of your situation, and follow the steps they provide. With your police and FTC reports, you will already have a couple of vital pieces of information that can help you clear your name.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">3. Reach the Social Security Administration and the IRS.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/myaccount\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Check your Social Security account<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to see if someone has gotten a job and used your SSN for employment purposes. Reviewing earnings associated with your SSN can uncover fraudulent use.<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You\u00a0can also contact the Social Security\u00a0Fraud\u00a0Hotline at (800) 269-0271\u00a0or\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/secure.ssa.gov\/ICON\/main.jsp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">reach out to your local SSA\u00a0office for\u00a0further, ongoing assistance<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0Likewise,\u00a0contact\u00a0the Internal Revenue Service at (800) 908-4490 to report the theft and help prevent someone from submitting a tax return in your name.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What do I do next? Ongoing steps to take.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As we\u2019ve talked about in some of my other blog posts, identity theft can be a long-term problem where follow-up instances of theft can crop up\u00a0over time. However, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the damage and ensure it doesn\u2019t happen again.\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/consumer-cyber-awareness\/top-signs-of-identity-theft\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">I cover several of those steps in detail in this blog here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, yet let\u2019s\u00a0take a look\u00a0at a few of the top items as they relate to SSN theft:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Consider placing a fraud alert.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">By placing a fraud alert, you can make it\u00a0harder\u00a0for thieves to open accounts in your name. Place it with one of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax),\u00a0and they will notify the other two. During the year-long fraud alert period, it will require businesses to verify your identity before issuing new credit in your name.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Look into an all-out credit freeze.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A full <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/learn\/security-freeze\/\">credit freeze<\/a> is in place until you lift it and will prohibit creditors from pulling your credit report altogether. This can help stop thieves dead in their tracks since approving credit requires pulling a report. However, this applies to legitimate inquiries, including any that you make, like opening a new loan or signing up for a credit card. If that\u2019s the case, you\u2019ll need to take extra steps as directed by the particular institution or lender. Unlike the fraud alert, you\u2019ll need to notify each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax) when you want the freeze lifted.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Monitor your credit reports.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Once a week <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.annualcreditreport.com\/index.action\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">you can access a free credit report from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Doing so will allow you to spot any future discrepancies and offer you\u00a0options for\u00a0correcting\u00a0them.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Sign up for an identity protection service.\u202f<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Using a service\u00a0to help protect your identity\u00a0can monitor several types of personally identifiable information and alert you of potentially unauthorized use.\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/en-us\/identity-theft\/protection.html?path=blogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Our own Identity Protection Service will\u00a0do\u00a0all this and more, like\u00a0offering\u00a0guided help to neutralize threats<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and\u00a0prevent theft from happening\u00a0again.\u202fYou can\u00a0set\u202fit\u00a0up on your computers and smartphone\u202fto\u00a0stay in the know,\u00a0address issues immediately, and keep your identity secured.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Your most unique identifier calls for extra care and protection<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Of all the forms of identity theft,\u00a0the\u00a0theft\u00a0of a Social Security Number\u00a0is certainly one of the most potentially painful\u00a0because it can unlock so many vital aspects of your life.\u00a0It\u2019s uniquely you,\u00a0even\u00a0more than your name alone\u00a0\u2013\u00a0at\u00a0least in the eyes of creditors, banks, insurance companies, criminal records,\u00a0etc.\u00a0Your SSN\u00a0calls for extra protection, and if you have any\u00a0concerns\u00a0that\u00a0it may have been lost or stolen, don\u2019t hesitate to spring into action.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the hands of a thief, your Social Security Number is the\u00a0master\u00a0key\u00a0to your identity.\u00a0 With\u00a0a Social Security Number (SSN),\u00a0a thief\u00a0can&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1408,"featured_media":191179,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10670,13],"tags":[10753,10780,10777],"coauthors":[15741],"class_list":["post-130687","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tips-tricks","category-privacy-identity-protection","tag-how-to-report-identity-theft","tag-how-to-report-identity-theft-to-social-security","tag-social-security-identity-theft"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO 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