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).
An identity thief who has your social security number and other personal information could do a number of things with it, including: Open new credit accounts, like credit cards or car loans, in your name. Claim tax refunds that rightfully belong to you. Create a fake identity to get a job, apartment, or other services.
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.
A security freeze can help prevent identity theft, because businesses will not open credit accounts without first checking a consumer's credit history. If your credit files are frozen, even someone who has your name and Social Security number probably will not be able to obtain credit in your name.
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.
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.
Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to receive a free credit report. Contact the Social Security Administration if you think your Social Security number has been compromised and the administration can help review your statements.
The Social Security Administration does allow you to change your number, but only under limited circumstances, such as identity theft or if your safety is in danger. You will also need to supply appropriate documentation to support your application for a new number.
Anyone with an SSN or an ITIN can get an IP PIN including individuals living abroad.
In 2023, Social Security numbers were exposed in 69% of all data breaches, up 60% from 2022 [*]. If criminals manage to compromise your SSN, they could open bank accounts, obtain credit cards, access medical care, and claim tax returns.
You can file a complaint online with the FTC. If you don't have Internet access, call the FTC's Identity Theft toll free hotline at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). File a police report.
Contact the Social Security Administration. They'll review your earnings with you to ensure the records are correct. You may review earnings on your online Social Security Benefits Statement. Workers, age 18 and older, may create an account to review their benefits statements.
Government agencies, employers and creditors have the authority to garnish a portion of your Social Security benefits to cover unpaid debts. For example, under the Consumer Credit Protection Act, an employer can withhold earnings for child support payments if a court order mandates it.
On average, field offices should take a combined total of 19 days to do two things: first, to check the non-medical requirements, and then, after the DDS review, to make a decision. DDS should complete its medical review within an average processing time of 180 days.
If someone has misused your SSN or other personal information to create credit or other problems for you, there are several things you can do. or call 1-800-908-4490. File an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.
Changing your name or updating an incorrect birthdate, your sex identification, or your citizenship or legal status is always free. To make changes, you'll need to request a replacement Social Security card. Depending on the change, your application may be completed either online or in person.
You can change your Social Security number, but you must have a valid reason and proper documentation for proof. Qualifying reasons for a new SSN include repeated identity theft attempts or harassment and abuse.
The first thing you should do when locking your SSN is call the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to block electronic access. This will prevent anyone (including you) from accessing your online Social Security account and changing your personal info or records.
Someone may have filed a tax return using your SSN if it was found on the dark web, which could have triggered a notice from the IRS. Contact the IRS immediately if you think or know you are a victim of identity theft.
1. Check your credit reports. You should check your credit report right away if you suspect someone else is using your SSN to determine if any loans have been taken out in your name. Examine your credit reports to see if there are any new accounts created, unfamiliar charges or unauthorized payments.
Social Security number identity theft occurs when someone gains unauthorized access to your SSN. For example, a scammer might steal your wallet, purse or mail, rummage through your trash or pose as an employer, government agency or someone else who legitimately needs your personal information.
If you do not have a personal my Social Security account, you can easily create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. If you have not created a personal my Social Security account and do not receive Social Security benefits, we will mail a paper Statement to you 3 months before your 60th birthday.