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.
You can call the SSA to lock your SSN. Contact them at 1-800-772-1213, and make sure you have additional proof of your identity when you speak to them. Additional forms of identification could include a driver's license or passport.
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.
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.
Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet.
You don't need to have your Social Security card with you at all times. Keep it at home in a safe place.
If you're unable to retrieve your IP PIN online: You may call us at 800-908-4490 for specialized assistance, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. your local time (Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific time), to have your IP PIN reissued to you.
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 ever need to send your Social Security number or any other sensitive information, don't send it through email. Instead, send it securely by using a password manager.
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.
If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).
You can create a myE-Verify account to place a “Self Lock” with E-Verify. Locking your SSN prevents anyone else from using it to authorize employment in E-Verify. The lock stays in place as long as your account is valid or until you unlock it.
Should you get a new SSN? If you've done all you can to fix the problems resulting from misuse of your SSN, and someone is still using your number, we may assign you a new number. You can't get a new SSN: If your SSN card is lost or stolen, but there's no evidence that someone is using your number.
An IP PIN is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number. The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS and helps the IRS verify your identity when filing an electronic or paper tax return. An IP PIN valid for one year.
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.
How to find out whether someone opened accounts in your name. The simplest way to find out whether someone opened an account in your name is to check your credit reports. They will list all accounts associated with your name and Social Security number.
While your work authorization will eventually expire, your SSN is permanent and the number will never change. If you already have an SSN, then you do not need to apply for another one.
Consider a free security freeze
You'll need to provide proof of your identity and theirs and proof that you are their parent or legal guardian. Security freezes must be placed separately with each of the three nationwide credit bureaus.
The IRS and the Security Summit partners encourage you to join the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) program. An IRS IP PIN is a special six-digit number that helps prevent criminals from filling fraudulent federal income tax returns or stealing refunds using your personal information.
If your tax records are not currently affected by identity theft, but you believe you may be at risk due to a lost/stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card activity or credit report, etc., contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490.