Prevent Identity Theft

Social Security Number

The Social Security number is the most frequently used record-keeping number in America. To keep it safe - is the biggest step to prevent identity theft.

Social Security number is used to report your earnings to the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service. Your future Social Security benefits are based on your total earnings.

What steps to take to prevent SSN identity theft?

• keep your Social Security card in a secure place
• give your SSN only when absolutely necessary
• ask to use other types of identifiers when possible
• if your state uses SSN as driver’s license number, ask to substitute another number.

If someone insists?

Very likely, your employer and financial institution will need your SSN for wage and tax reporting purposes. Private businesses may ask for SSN to do a credit check, such as when you apply for a car loan. Or they simply want SSN for general record keeping. Ask the following questions to prevent identity theft:

• why do you need it?
• how will it be used?
• how do you protect it?
• what will happen if I don’t give it?

If you don’t provide SSN, some businesses may not provide you with the service or benefit you want. Getting satisfactory answers to your questions will help you to decide whether you want to share SSN with the business.

Can I get a new SSN?

If you have done all you can to fix the problem and someone still is using your number, Social Security Administration may assign you a new number. It cannot guarantee that a new number will solve your problem.

You cannot get a new Social Security number if:

• you filed for bankruptcy
• you intend to avoid the law or your legal responsibility
• your Social Security card is lost or stolen, but there is no evidence someone is using your number

Where to report theft?

Social Security Administration (SSA) - www.ssa.gov

Report allegations that an SSN has been stolen or misused to the SSA Fraud Hotline:

call: 1-800-269-0271
fax: 410-597-0118
write: SSA Fraud Hotline, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, MD 21235
e-mail: oig.hotline@ssa.gov

Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to verify the accuracy of the earnings reported on your SSN, and to request a copy of your Social Security Statement. Follow up in writing.

Publications:

SSA Fraud Hotline for Reporting Fraud -
www.ssa.gov/oig/public_fraud_reporting/index.htm

Social Security: Your Number and Card (SSA Pub. No. 05-10002) -
www.ssa.gov/pubs/10002.html

When Someone Misuses Your Number (SSA Pub. No. 05-10064) -
www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.html

Keep SSN safe to prevent identity theft.

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