Summary
- If you lose your Social Security card, report possible theft to local law enforcement and contact the Social Security Administration to begin the replacement process.
- To replace a lost Social Security card, print an application, fill it out, and take it along with the necessary documents to the Social Security office.
- To freeze your Social Security number, call the National 800 number or the TTY number and request the freeze.
- If you’re in the U.S., you can apply online for a Social Security card and receive it within 14 days.
- If you lose your Social Security card, you may become a target for identity theft, so it’s important to take immediate action.
- If you suspect someone is using your Social Security number, contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to report the issue.
- Voluntarily withdrawing or stopping participation in the Social Security program is generally not allowed.
- If you suspect someone is using your Social Security number for tax-related issues, contact the IRS to report the abuse.
Questions and Answers
- Should I worry if I lost my Social Security card?
- What should I do if I accidentally lose my Social Security card?
- How can I freeze my Social Security number?
- What is the fastest way to get a Social Security card?
- Can someone steal your identity if you lose your Social Security card?
- How can I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number?
- Can I turn off my Social Security number?
- How can I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number for tax-related issues?
You should contact your local law enforcement and the Social Security Administration immediately to report possible theft. Then, begin applying for your replacement card right away. This can be done for free through the SSA website.
Print an application and fill it out, then take the application and documents to the Social Security office. Your new card will be mailed directly to you. You might also consider calling the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 to report the lost card.
This is done by calling the National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778). Once requested, any automated telephone and electronic access to your Social Security record is blocked.
If you’re in the U.S., you can apply online, then go to a local Social Security office to provide your documentation. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a Social Security card with your number on it by mail within 14 days.
If criminals steal or find your Social Security card, it means you’re a target — and you need to act quickly. Scammers can use your stolen SSN to steal your identity, open new accounts or take out loans in your name, receive a fraudulent tax refund, or worse.
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.
People generally cannot voluntarily withdraw or stop participating in the Social Security program. You must pay Social Security taxes, regardless of you or your employer’s citizenship or place of residence.
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.
Should I worry if I lost my Social Security card
You should contact your local law enforcement and the Social Security Administration immediately to report possible theft. Then, begin applying for your replacement card right away. This can be done for free through the SSA website.
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What to do if you accidentally lose your Social Security card
Print an application and fill it out, then take the application and documents to the Social Security office. Your new card will be mailed directly to you. You might also consider calling the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 to report the lost card.
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How do I freeze my Social Security number
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). Once requested, any automated telephone and electronic access to your Social Security record is blocked.
What is the fastest you can get a Social Security card
If you're in the U.S., you can apply online, then go to a local Social Security office to provide your documentation. Once your application is approved, you'll receive a Social Security card with your number on it by mail within 14 days.
Can someone steal your identity if you lose your Social Security card
If criminals steal or find your Social Security card, it means you're a target — and you need to act quickly. Scammers can use your stolen SSN to steal your identity, open new accounts or take out loans in your name, receive a fraudulent tax refund, or worse.
How can I check to see if someone is using my social security number
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.
Can I turn off my Social Security number
People generally cannot voluntarily withdraw or stop participating in the Social Security program. You must pay Social Security taxes, regardless of you or your employer's citizenship or place of residence.
How can I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number
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.
Can I get a replacement Social Security card at my local office
Visit a local office
Fill out the Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) (PDF) and bring it to your local office along with unexpired identification. Documents must be original or have a signature, stamp, or raised seal from the issuing agency.
Does Social Security give you a card the same day
We will mail your Social Security card as soon as we have all of the necessary information. You should usually receive it within 7-10 business days from that time.
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.
How do you find out if your social is being used
Check Your Credit Report.
If someone has used your SSN to apply for a credit card or a loan or open other accounts in your name, your credit report is the first place the activity can appear. Look for accounts you don't recognize or credit applications you never submitted.
What happens if someone uses your social security number
A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, when they use the credit cards and don't pay the bills, it damages your credit.
How much does it cost to lock your Social Security number
In addition, Adam Funk suggests writing to the three major credit bureaus — Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax — to lock your Social Security number. There may be a nominal fee of about $10 to process the request.
Can I get a new Social Security number if my card was stolen
If you decide to apply for a new number, you'll need to prove your identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or immigration status. For more information, ask for Your Social Security Number and Card (Publication Number 05-10002). You'll also need to provide evidence that you're having ongoing problems because of the misuse.
Can I get proof of my Social Security number online
Our customers can get an instant verification letter online with a personal my Social Security account. Also, they may continue to call us toll-free to request a letter by mail.
How much quicker can I get a Social Security card in the office
The fastest way to replace your Social Security card is to request a new one online. You can also visit a local SSA office in your area. According to the SSA website, it typically takes 10 to 14 business days to receive your new card once your application has been processed.
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.
How can I find out if someone is using my identity
Warning signs of ID theftBills for items you did not buy.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 can I find out if someone opened an account in my 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.
How do you know if your SSN is being used
Check Your Credit Report.
If someone has used your SSN to apply for a credit card or a loan or open other accounts in your name, your credit report is the first place the activity can appear.
How do you check if your social security number has been used
Make a single request for all three credit bureau reports at Annual Credit Report Request Form, (Disclaimer) or by calling 1-877-322-8228. File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.
Does locking your SSN prevent identity theft
Self Lock helps protect you from employment-related identity fraud. 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.
What other documents show proof of Social Security number
Proof of Social Security Number (SSN)Your Social Security card.Tax form(s).Benefit or income statement from Social Security containing the Social Security number.Pending application for an SSN.
What are other proofs of Social Security number
A Social Security card is legal proof of an SSN.