Social security fraud may lead to financial and credit problems, legal problems and can disrupt your life. What can you do as a consumer to protect your Social Security number (SSN) and prevent identity fraud?
Keep Your SSN Confidential and Avoid Social Security Fraud.
The Social Security Administration protects the confidentiality of your SSN; the agency does not disclose SSNs except when authorized by law. You should take steps to restrict the distribution of your SSN, as well to minimize the risk of Social Security fraud.
When your SSN is requested:
* Ask why your SSN is needed
* Ask how it will be used
* Ask what will happen if you refuse to provide your SSN
Often asking for your SSN is just routine; not supplying it will cause no difficulties and will not affect your ability to do business with a merchant or institution.
How Can Identity Thieves Steal Your SSN to Commit Social Security Fraud?
Identity thieves use both high- and low-tech means to steal personal information.
Here are some common methods of stealing Social Security numbers and other personal information:
* Purse snatching, stealing wallets by picking a pocket, removing content from a purse while in crowds (such as at a store)
*Stealing mail (bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks and tax information)
* Intercepting or "hacking" information online--whether data you provided to an unsecured Internet site, or by stealing records from a business
* "Dumpster Diving"--that is going through your trash, or dumpsters outside of businesses, medical offices, educational institutions and so forth for personal data
* Running phone or email scams, posing as someone who legitimately needs information about you, such as employers or landlords
* Bribing employees to obtain personal information--a credit application, tax return or legal document, for example
DO:
* Ensure that your employer has your correct SSN when you start a job
* Provide your Social Security number to your financial institution(s) for tax reporting purposes
* Keep your card and any other document that shows your Social Security number on it in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box, home safe or locked filing cabinet
DO NOT:
* Carry your card or other documents that display your SSN in your wallet or purse
* Use your SSN on your driver's license
Is Someone Using Your Social Security Number?
As many as one in seven adults will have another name associated with their Social Security number. This may be due to Social Security fraud, or could be the result of a simple clerical error.
If you suspect that someone else is using your number for employment purposes (illegal aliens often buy SSNs so that they can work in the US), you should contact the Social Security Administration to report the potential Social Security fraud problem. Request an earnings statement and review your records to ensure that they are correct.
Your earnings statement is also mailed to you annually (adults 25 and older), so be sure to review that for accuracy.
If the Worst Happens: What to Do if an Identity Thief is Creating Credit Problems for You
If an identity thief is misusing your Social Security number to commit Social Security fraud or obtain credit in your name, contact the Federal Trade Commission for help:
* Online: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft
* By Telephone: 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338)
* By TTY— 1-866-653-4261
Is a New Social Security Number the Answer If a Thief Targets You?
If the worst case scenario happens, you become an identity theft victim--someone is committing social security fraud--and you have done everything possible to fix the resulting problems without a successful resolution, you may assigned a new number. This is a serious step, and should not be undertaken lightly!
New Social Security Numbers Are NOT Issued:
* To enable a person to avoid the consequences of filing for bankruptcy;
* To enable a person to evade the law or legal responsibilities
* If your Social Security card is lost or stolen, but there is no evidence of misuse
When applying for a new SSN, you will need to prove your age, U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status and identity and provide evidence of the difficulties resulting from the misuse of your SSN.
A new SSN is unlikely to resolve all of the fraud-related problems. Why is this the case? Because other governmental agencies (Internal Revenue Service, state registries) and private businesses (banks and credit bureaus) will have records under your old number. Credit reporting companies use the SSN, in conjunction with other personal information, to identify your credit record. A new SSN will not guarantee a clean slate--especially if your demographic information (name and address) remains unchanged.
More Questions? Contact the Social Security Administration
* Call toll-free: 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday (Listen to automated information 24 hours a day).
* If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call the SSA’s TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.
* Find information online at: www.ssa.gov
