Report the Theft: - Report the theft to the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can call them at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local SSA office. They can help you with the next steps regarding your Social Security number (SSN).
There is NO COST to place or lift a security freeze. For more information, see detailed instructions entitled “Placing a Security Freeze on Your Credit Report to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft” below. 5. Review your credit reports carefully.
--------------------------- First, you can contact the Social Security Administration by phone at 800-772-1213 and request to block electronic access to your Social Security information. This process prevents anyone -- including you -- from changing or accessing your Social Security record.
Yes. You can add or remove a fraud alert at any time for free on the TransUnion Service Center. We'll also notify Experian and Equifax so they can add an alert to the report they have for you.
Identity Theft: If you think an identity thief is using your SSN to work or to collect benefits, call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. If you think someone may be using your SSN to work, check your Social Security Personal Earnings and Benefit Statement.
You can lock your Social Security number—sometimes referred to as freezing your SSN—in a couple of ways. The easiest way to lock your SSN is by calling the Social Security Administration to block electronic access. Or, you can apply a Self Lock on E-Verify to stop anyone from using your SSN to apply for a job.
You may not be aware of it, but you can lock your Social Security number to prevent unauthorized access if your SSN has been compromised. To block electronic access to your SSN, call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.
To verify your identity and tax return status, call us at 800-908-4490. We can't give your refund status or other tax information at this number. For tax account answers, call 800-829-1040. To verify your notice or letter, search for it online or call us at 800-829-1040.
To block electronic access to your SSN, you have to call your local Social Security office or 1-800-772-1213. Finally, you can turn on the SSN Self Lock online via the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) “myE-Verify” website.
Each credit bureau offers multiple methods for placing a credit lock: Online: This is typically the fastest and most convenient option. You'll need to create an account or log into your existing account with each bureau. Phone: You can call their customer service line to request a credit lock.
—A private entity described in the subsection (a) that willfully publishes, discloses, or makes known in any manner, or to any extent not authorized by Federal law, any information obtained under this section shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both, for each such unauthorized ...
Social Security Number Services are Always Free.
That's why you should freeze your credit files: It's a free and easy way to protect yourself from identity theft and to keep hackers and scammers out of your bank account. And while this latest breach isn't an urgent concern, big security scares like this tend to attract scammers who prey on the anxious.
Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 1-800-908-4490 or visit them online, if you believe someone is using your SSN to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes. Order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
If you believe someone may have used your SSN fraudulently, please notify IRS immediately by responding to the name and number printed on the notice or letter. You will need to fill out the IRS Identity Theft Affidavit, Form 14039.
Lenders can't pull your credit file when it's frozen, so they're unlikely to approve credit applications. You can also freeze your child's credit to help stop someone from using their SSN to take out loans and credit cards. Placing a freeze is free and doesn't affect your credit score.
Go to the website of any of the three major credit bureaus and select that you want to add a fraud alert. Note: You only need to do it at one credit bureau. Once you place the fraud alert at any of the three bureaus, they automatically notify the other two.
Do not routinely carry your SSN. Never say your SSN aloud in public. Beware of phishing scams (emails, internet links, and phone calls) trying to trick you into revealing personal information. Create a personal my Social Security account to help you keep track of your records and identify any suspicious activity.
Sending your Social Security number through the use of a password manager ensures that no cybercriminal is able to intercept the data being sent, and that the recipient is only able to access it for a certain period of time – preventing unauthorized individuals from being able to view it.
When your SSN and other personal information is leaked on the Dark Web, cybercriminals may use those details to steal your identity. They could go as far as getting a job in your name. Commit tax fraud.
How to get an IP PIN. The fastest way to receive an IP PIN is to request one through your Online Account. If you don't already have an account on IRS.gov, you must register to validate your identity. Spouses and dependents are eligible for an IP PIN if they can pass the identity verification process.