Summary of the Article:
1. If someone uses your SSN to obtain credit, loans, telephone accounts, or other goods and services, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC collects complaints about identity theft from those whose identities have been stolen.
2. 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 divert your Social Security benefits.
3. To see if someone’s using your SSN, check your credit report. You can check it online through AnnualCreditReport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports. Or you can call their phone number at 1-877-322-8228 to request your free copy.
4. Never type your SSN into an email or instant message and send it. The majority of such messages can be intercepted and read. Also, don’t leave a voicemail that includes your SSN. If you need to contact someone and give them your number, it’s best to do it in person.
5. Here are six steps to complete to minimize fraud damage if you’ve accidentally given your Social Security number to a scammer: Check your credit report for signs of fraud, freeze your credit as soon as possible, report the scam to the FTC and the police, report the theft to the IRS, submit a Social Security fraud report.
6. Yes, it is possible to get a new Social Security number, but it is not easy. If you can show that you are in danger due to domestic violence or other abuse, or you are experiencing significant, ongoing financial harm due to identity theft, Social Security can assign you a different number.
7. Social Security numbers are often used to commit identity theft, which defrauded 51,600 victims out of $278 million during 2021, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
8. The most abused SSN is 078-05-1120.
Questions and Answers:
1. What should I do if someone has my SSN?
If someone uses your SSN to obtain credit, loans, telephone accounts, or other goods and services, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC collects complaints about identity theft from those whose identities have been stolen.
2. What’s the worst that can happen if someone gets your SSN?
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 divert your Social Security benefits.
3. How do I know if my SSN is being used?
To see if someone’s using your SSN, check your credit report. You can check it online through AnnualCreditReport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports. Or you can call their phone number at 1-877-322-8228 to request your free copy.
4. Is it safe to give your SSN online?
Don’t Send Your SSN via an Electronic Device. Never type your SSN into an email or instant message and send it. The majority of such messages can be intercepted and read. Also, don’t leave a voicemail that includes your SSN. If you need to contact someone and give them your number, it’s best to do it in person.
5. What to do if I gave my SSN to a scammer?
Here are six steps to complete to minimize fraud damage if you’ve accidentally given your Social Security number to a scammer: Check your credit report for signs of fraud, freeze your credit as soon as possible, report the scam to the FTC and the police, report the theft to the IRS, submit a Social Security fraud report.
6. Can you change your SSN?
Yes, it is possible to get a new Social Security number, but it is not easy. If you can show that you are in danger due to domestic violence or other abuse, or you are experiencing significant, ongoing financial harm due to identity theft, Social Security can assign you a different number.
7. How common is SSN theft?
Social Security numbers are often used to commit identity theft, which defrauded 51,600 victims out of $278 million during 2021, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
8. What is the most abused SSN?
The most abused SSN is 078-05-1120.
What should I do if someone has my SSN
If someone uses your SSN to obtain credit, loans, telephone accounts, or other goods and services, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC collects complaints about identity theft from those whose identities have been stolen.
What’s the worst that can happen if someone gets your SSN
So, what can happen if your Social Security number (SSN) ends up in the wrong hands 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 divert your Social Security benefits.
How do I know if my SSN is being used
To see if someone's using your SSN, check your credit report. You can check it online through AnnualCreditReport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports. Or you can call their phone number at 1-877-322-8228 to request your free copy.
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Is it safe to give your SSN online
Don't Send Your SSN via an Electronic Device
Never type your SSN into an email or instant message and send it. The majority of such messages can be intercepted and read. Also, don't leave a voicemail that includes your SSN. If you need to contact someone and give them your number, it's best to do it in person.
What to do if I gave my SSN to a scammer
Here are six steps to complete to minimize fraud damage if you've accidentally given your Social Security number to a scammer.Check your credit report for signs of fraud.Freeze your credit as soon as possible.Report the scam to the FTC and the police.Report the theft to the IRS.Submit a Social Security fraud report.
Can you change your SSN
Is it possible to get a new Social Security number Yes, but it is not easy. If you can show that you are in danger due to domestic violence or other abuse, or you are experiencing significant, ongoing financial harm due to identity theft, Social Security can assign you a different number.
How common is SSN theft
Social Security Numbers Are Fraud Gold
Social Security numbers are often used to commit identity theft, which defrauded 51,600 victims out of $278 million during 2021, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
What is the most abused SSN
078-05-1120
The most misused SSN of all time was (078-05-1120). In 1938, wallet manufacturer the E. H. Ferree company in Lockport, New York decided to promote its product by showing how a Social Security card would fit into its wallets. A sample card, used for display purposes, was inserted in each wallet.
How do you know if you are a victim of identity theft
Changes in your credit score can indicate identity theft. For example, if someone takes out utility bills in your name and doesn't pay them, your credit score may dip. Checking your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion can help pinpoint the problem.
Can someone open a credit card in my name without my Social Security number
An identity thief would have to obtain personal details such as your name, birthdate and Social Security number in order to open a credit card in your name. However, it is a federal crime to do this, and it can result in jail time when the thief is caught for their behavior.
Can someone access my bank account with my Social Security number
Can someone access my bank account with my Social Security number No, because you would have to provide even more personal details to authenticate your identity like physical evidence of your passport, ID, driver's license, etc.
Can I refuse to give my Social Security number
Anyone can refuse to disclose his or her number, but the requester can refuse its services if you do not give it. Businesses, banks, schools, private agencies, etc., are free to request someone's number and use it for any purpose that does not violate a federal or state law.
How often can you change your SSN
You may receive no more than three replacement social security number cards in a year and ten replacement social security number cards per lifetime. We may allow for reasonable exceptions to these limits on a case-by-case basis in compelling circumstances.
How can Social Security identity theft occur
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.
Who has 1 SSN
This particular record, (055-09-0001) belonged to John D. Sweeney, Jr., age 23, of New Rochelle, New York. The next day, newspapers around the country announced that Sweeney had been issued the first SSN.
What are three 3 warning signs of identity theft
8 Warning Signs of Identity TheftUnrecognized bank or credit card transactions.Unfamiliar inquiries on your credit report.Unexpected bills or statements.Unexpected lack of bills or statements.Surprise credit score drop.Denial of loan or credit applications.Calls from debt collectors.
Can I change my Social Security number
To request a different Social Security number, contact your local Social Security office for an in-person appointment.
How to check if someone is opening credit cards in your name
The best way to find out if someone has opened an account in your name is to pull your own credit reports to check. Note that you'll need to pull your credit reports from all three bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — to check for fraud since each report may have different information and reporting.
Is asking for a Social Security number a Hipaa violation
Using Social Security numbers (SSNs) as patient ID numbers is not technically a violation of HIPAA — you can use SSNs on insurance cards as long as you don't display the entire number — but I think it definitely violates the spirit of the legislation.
What happens to my old SSN if I get a new one
Changing your number does not affect the information in your Social Security file. The old and new numbers are cross-referenced to make sure your earnings history and other data is not lost.
Can you get a new SSN if your identity is stolen
But the administration doesn't make it easy to get a new SSN. You'll need proof that your number continues to be used by someone other than yourself. The administration said if you lost your card or think someone stole your number but have no evidence of someone else using it, you won't be able to receive a new one.
Can 2 people have the SSN
Although the SSN card is not considered an identity document (because it does not display identifying information about you), SSA uses your SSN to differentiate you from other SSN card holders. Many people have the same name, but each person has his or her own SSN. Your SSN allows your earnings to be credited to you.
How do I know if I’m a victim of identity theft
Warning signs of ID theft
Debt collection calls for accounts you did not open. Information on your credit report for accounts you did not open. Denials for loan applications. Mail stops coming to – or is missing from – your mailbox.
How do I know if my identity has been hacked
Checking your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion can help pinpoint the problem. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) allows U.S. consumers to get a free credit report every 12 months.
Can you lock your Social Security number
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).
