What to Do if Your Social Security Card is Lost or Stolen: A Comprehensive Guide
Ever found yourself wondering What if somebody found my social security card? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans find themselves in this precarious situation every year. This guide aims to provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of what steps you should take if your social security card is lost or stolen.
Report It as Lost or Stolen
The first step in protecting yourself is to report your Social Security card as lost or stolen to both local law enforcement and the Social Security Administration (SSA). Never carry your card on your person; it is not a reliable form of identification, and you should keep it in a secure location, like at home with other important documents. The SSA advises that you replace your card after notifying them of its loss or theft.
Protecting Your Identity
The identity thief cannot use your social security number alone. They need additional information, such as your name, birthdate, and address, to commence fraudulent activities. If you suspect that someone has stolen your social security card, initiate these steps promptly:
Set a 90-Day Fraud Alert with Credit Bureaus
To safeguard your credit score, set a 90-day fraud alert with major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This alert informs creditors to take additional steps to verify your identity before extending credit. Additionally, establish a fraud alert with ChexSystems and the National Consumer Telecom and Utilities Exchange (NCTUE).
Request a Copy of Your Consumer Disclosure Report
Write to each of the above-mentioned credit bureaus to request a copy of your credit report. Provide proof of your social security number and current address as required. This allows you to verify that the thief did not use your information to open new accounts.
Contact Companies Directly to Resolve Fraudulent Activities
If you believe that the identity thief used your social security number to apply for credit, contact the company that issued the credit card or loan. Forward them a police report to expedite the process. They will likely request a copy of the police report, proof of your SSN, and a proof of your current address to validate your identity.
Securely File a Police Report
Report the theft to your local police department, even if they cannot help with the investigation. All they need is a record of the crime, which they will provide in the form of a police report. You can collect this report from their records department a few days later. Submit this document to the credit bureaus to activate a longer fraud alert, typically a 7-year alert.
Consider a Security Freeze
Setting a security freeze with the credit bureaus is a more robust way to protect your identity. A security freeze prevents creditors from accessing your credit report, making it nearly impossible for an identity thief to open new accounts in your name. The process might take some time, so be prepared to wait.
Allow 90 days for all disputes to be fully resolved. Follow up with each of the companies that verified your identity through a letter indicating that no unauthorized activity was committed under your name. Request another copy of your consumer report from each of the credit bureaus to ensure that all fraudulent information has been removed.
Additional Tips
Be prepared to spend significant time on hold and through multiple departments as you work through the process. Provide your social security number over the phone if the company is legitimate and you’ve called them using the official published phone number. For a more straightforward process, use postal mail as much as possible, as credit bureaus are cooperative with proper documentation.
Ninety-five percent of identity theft cases can be resolved following these steps. However, some cases may require more action. If the thief has made your credit or reputation suffer further, consider hiring a professional fraud investigator to assist you in clearing your name and repairing your identity.
By following these steps, you can maintain control over your personal information and take a proactive approach to safeguarding your identity.