The government says reporting a lost or stolen card to us will not prevent its misuse. You have to do more than just replace it. Some who is in possession of your card can undoubtedly get more of your personal info. Now, it doesn’t cost you anything to apply for a SSN card, either for yourself or for application of a newborn. But these things are not like debit cards. You can’t just have the government close one and open a new identity for you. This is why they made all these other outlets:
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (1-877-ID-THEFT or 1-877-438-4338);
- File an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov;
- Check your Social Security records (call toll-free 1-800-772-1213; TTY 1-800-325-0778) to ensure your income is calculated correctly
- File a report with the local police or the police department where the identity theft took place, and keep a copy of the police report as proof of the crime
- Contact the fraud units of the three major credit-reporting bureaus:
– Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; or Internet: http://www.equifax.com
– Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289; or Internet: http://www.transunion.com/
– Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (1-888-397-3742); or Internet: http://www.experian.com
But the best way to avoid all this is to not travel with the little blue piece of paper. Keep it at home locked up with the title to your car. I can’t believe it when people tell me they still keep it in their wallet or purse. You know how many times I lost my wallet when I was younger?!
“Hello, yes is this the US government? Hi. This is _________. I seem to have misplaced and misused how the entire system recognizes me. Yeah, I need a new number. Oh you don’t really do that. I see.”
The stance of Social Security on issuing new numbers is like this. They only want you to consider changing your Social Security number as a last resort. The thing being, changing your number may adversely impact your ability to interact with federal and state agencies, employers and others. Why? Well, because your financial, medical, employment and other records will be under your other SSN. If you have done all you can and someone still is using your number, they may assign you a new number. But they cannot guarantee that a new number is going to actually solve your problem. AND you can’t even get a new number if you filed for bankruptcy, appear to “intend to avoid the law or your legal responsibility” (Do alimony and spousal support payments count?), or – and here’s the biggie – if your social security card is stolen or lost and there is no evidence someone else is using it.
Gosh Jim, identity theft isn’t-very funny.
If you value your credit and like being in charge of your life, keep that stupid little card and the content printed on it under lock and key.
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