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 the IRS receives your tax return and notifies you that a return has already been filed using your SSN, it means that someone has filed a fraudulent return using your identity.
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).
Self Lock is the unique feature that lets you protect your identity in E-Verify and Self Check by placing a "lock" in E-Verify on your Social Security number (SSN). This helps prevent anyone else from using your SSN for an E-Verify case.
Check your bank, investment, and credit card accounts for unfamiliar transactions. Flag anything and follow up with either the vendor or your bank or credit card company. Don't ignore small transactions. Identity thieves may make small purchases to test if a card or account number works before moving on to larger ones.
With your SSN and other personal information easily found online, scammers can commit credit card fraud, open new accounts, and receive medical care in your name — as well as siphon away your Social Security benefits.
What does it cost? There is no charge for an SSN and card. If someone wants to charge you for getting a number or card, please remember that these services are free.
Can someone use my SSN with their name? Not for legitimate purposes but if they have criminal intents then they could use it because it wouldn't be caught until somebody tried to pay SS tax to the account. The SSA would flag the difference.
You'll know that another person filed a tax return in your name if you try to file and the IRS rejects your return. The IRS will explain in the rejection that a return associated with your Social Security Number has already been filed.
If you think you might have been a victim of ID theft: Contact the companies where you think the fraud occurred and let them know what happened. Check your credit reports to find evidence of fraud. You can get free credit reports from annualcreditreport.com or directly from the credit bureaus.
Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can't explain. Check that information like your Social Security number, address(es), name or initials, and employers are correct. If you find fraudulent or inaccurate information, get it removed.
Banks have also opened accounts in customers' names
Bank of America also opened new credit card accounts without customers' knowledge. And U.S. Bank was fined by the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau for opening fake credit cards and deposit accounts for unsuspecting consumers.
Phishing, smishing, and vishing scams that steal your personal information.
Unusual credit activity, such as an increased number of new accounts or inquiries and spending appear in the credit reports. Identification documents provided by the customer appears altered or forged. Photograph on ID card is inconsistent with the appearance of the customer present.
Regularly Check Your Credit Reports
Regularly review your credit reports for any unusual activity. Remember, you can access free reports from the three major credit bureaus once a year. Regular checks can help you identify any irregularities and act swiftly.
To find out if someone opened a credit card in your name, get a copy of your credit report from all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You'll be able to see all of the credit cards opened in your name on those reports.
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.
An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS. It helps us verify your identity when you file your electronic or paper tax return.