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What If Someone Gets Your Social Security Number

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How Can I Check If My Ssn Was Leaked

Steps you should take if your social security numbers stolen

Data leaked during breaches usually ends up on the dark web. There are databases online that can scan the web for leaked personal information. Mostly, these include email addresses, which is not a lot.

Surfshark Alert can check the web for leaks of your emails and passwords, Social Security numbers, and . It will also continue to monitor your information and will notify you if it finds that any of your data leaked on the web.

Heres how you can check your SSN for leaks with Alert in 6 steps:

  • On the left side of your panel, navigate to Alert and select Scan IDs
  • Select the United States and
  • Input your Social Security number and
  • Wait for the Scan to finish. This shouldnt take more than a few seconds
  • Voila, your SSN is scanned. If you wish to keep it under regular monitoring, add it to your dashboard!
  • Social Security Benefits Fraud

    This type of fraud aims at using an SSN to steal someones Social Security benefits or file for unemployment in their name. Just like with financial identity theft, you may not know someone else is profiting from you until you apply for social benefits yourself and get denied.

    The recent COVID-19 stimulus frauds, when identity thieves steal others stimulus payments, fall under the social benefits fraud category.

    How To Know If Your Social Security Number Has Been Stolen

    People often find out their Social Security number has been stolen when they go to open an account or file their taxes and find out someone else has already done so using their name. However, other warning signs someone has stolen your SSN include:

    • Getting mail in someone elses name
    • Receiving debt collection calls when you havent defaulted on anything
    • Receiving new credit or debit cards in the mail you didnt request

    One of the best ways you can make sure no one has stolen your SSN is to keep an eye on your credit report. Regularly checking your credit report and bank accounts can ensure you catch that something may be amiss as soon as possible. If you see an error or an account you dont recognize, make sure to follow up with the financial institution. It may just be an errorwhich will need to be addressed anywaybut its better to be safe than sorry.

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    How Can Your Social Security Number Be Stolen

    Its surprisingly easy for hackers and criminals to get your Social Security number. This usually happens either by physically getting the information or through a security breach of some kind online. Below are a few of the ways a person can steal your Social Security number:

    • Getting documents out of the trash. Its common for papers such as medical bills or financial statements to have your SSN on them. If you toss these papers in the trash, criminals might actually go through it and then use the information.
    • Overhearing you say your SSN. You may be asked for your Social Security number when you register at the hospital or when youre dealing with banks and other financial entities. If someone hears you say your SSN, they can then use it for their own activities.
    • Obtaining it through a data breach. Even if you take all the necessary precautions to keep your SSN safe, you have to hope that other companies will do the same. Data breachessuch as the 2017 Equifax breachhappen when hackers are able to access companies data banks.

    Keep in mind that while a lot of paperwork may ask for your SSN, you dont always have to share it. For example, your childrens school enrollment forms may have a line for your SSN, but this isnt something they actually need. In any situation, you can ask why the other party needs your SSN and refuse to give it if youre not comfortable.

    What Is Social Security Number Theft

    Social Security number

    Social Security Number theft or Social Security Number fraud is big business for thieves. The Social Security Administration estimates that in 2019 the administration made $7.9 billion in improper payments due to fraud. This boils down to an average cost of identity theft of over $1,000 per person!

    The problem is a growing one. In 2017 the number of Social Security Numbers compromised in data breaches surpassed the number of credit card numbers, according to a study by Javelin Strategy & Research.

    Social Security Number theft can wreak havoc on your credit score. The effort and time required to undo that sort of damage can often take years.

    Once hackers or thieves have your SSN, they can make false statements on claims, file claims under your SSN, file fraudulent tax returns for refunds, open bank accounts and credit cards and more. A SSN, especially one with a good credit score attached, can be used to extract serious money quickly via these scams.

    Related: How to know if someone is using your social security number

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    Social Security Identity Theft Faq

    What should I do if I believe my Social Security number has been stolen or misused?

    If you think someone is using your Social Security,

    • Review your Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
    • Review your Social Security earnings record for accuracy.
    • Visit the Federal Trade Commission at www.identitytheft.gov to report identity theft and get a recovery plan.
    • Contact the Federal Internal Revenue Service Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490.
    • Order a free credit report .
    • File a police report.

    Note: The Social Security Administration can only resolve Social Security number reporting problems on their own records.

    What should I do if I think my name and/or Social Security number is being used to obtain a fake drivers license?

    The Michigan Department of State Office of Investigative Services is committed to protecting the integrity of all MDOS programs and documents issued by the agency.

    If you witness, suspect or know of fraudulent, improper or suspicious activity involving any MDOS documents or programs, please contact the OIS immediately at:

    FRAUD TIP LINE: 844-372-8356

    When you contact OIS, provide as much detail as possible. Include your contact information as an investigator may need to contact you for additional information. All reports will be kept confidential.

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    How Can Someone Get Your Social Security Number

    There are several ways someone can acquire your SSN and other personal information. Mainly, you should watch out for the following:

    • Data leaks. Iâve already covered the infamous Equifax scandal at the beginning of this article. However, data breaches happen every day, especially with phishing being on an absolute spree since COVID-19 started. This way, personal information held in âsafeâ databases can escape into the dark web where cybercriminals trade and exploit it for personal gain. Data leaks are by far the easiest and most common way to acquire peoplesâ SSNs and other personal information.
    • Stolen personal belongings. Losing your bag, wallet, or mail to a crook can expose a lot of your personal information. After all, we virtually carry our lives in our pockets!
    • Phishing. Either by email, text, or phone, phishing can try and lure your credentials and personal information out of your own hands. Educate yourself on how to avoid it!
    • Stolen documents. Itâs also possible for someone to physically steal records or documents with your personal information from work or home. However, these instances are rather rare since most data is stored online these days.
    • Trash. Do not throw your documents, bank statements, or checks out into the trash like theyâre useless â they might seem so to you, but they contain your personal information.

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    It’s Entirely Up To The Social Security Administration To Decide Whether You Can Get A New Number

    If the agency doesn’t think you need a new one, you won’t get one.

    If you do decide to get a new Social Security number, the first step is as easy as filling out a standard SSN application form . You’ll enter the old number on it. But be prepared to plead your case, and to have ample documentation to prove it.

    Don’t forget that the old Social Security number never completely goes away, even if it goes dormant. The Social Security Administration never invalidates an SSN once it’s been issued.

    What Is A Social Security Number For

    STOLEN Social Security Number? | This is What REALLY Happens

    Your Social Security is a nine-digit number thats a unique identifier for you for government purposes. Its usually assigned upon birth in the United States, but if you had an undocumented birth or your parents didnt ask for a SSN, you may need to request one as an adult.

    Your SSN is very important and is required for several things, such as:

    • Opening credit card and bank accounts
    • Getting a passport
    • Filing legal documents

    Because your SSN is a unique identifier, its usually not possible to be assigned another one. There are some exceptions in extreme cases, such as if youre changing your identity for safety purposes. Its very difficult to get a new SSN, and the approval process is long.

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    What If Someone Steals My Social Security Number

    All of this is of course very interesting, but lets bring it back to the point of this article: what if some bad guy steals, obtains, guesses at, or otherwise gets hold of your Social Security Number? As it happens, all kinds of bad things!

    Because you have to have a Social Security Number to get a job in the United States , crooks are very fond of stealing SSNs specifically for the purpose of selling them to people who do not already have permission to work in the United States, so that those people can get a job.

    Nothing is wrong with people getting jobs, of course, but if they are using your Social Security Number, it can cause untold confusion and issues with your taxes and your Social Security benefits. You could even LOSE your Social Security benefits and that can be hundreds of thousands of dollars.

    As you can see, it is very important for you to be able to tell whether someone is using your Social Security Number without your permission. In this article, I will show you several methods of detecting whether your Social Security Number has been compromised.

    Get A Social Security Statement

    The Social Security Administration maintains an online service that lets you find out what you have paid into Social Security, how many hours of work your employers have reported each quarter, and what your expected benefits would be if you were to retire or go on disability in the near future.

    You may think that would be wonderful since the worker reporting hours to your Social Security account is moving you closer to vesting your Social Security benefit, but in fact, you can have your expected Social Security payments greatly reduced if someone is reporting low-wage labor to your account. So you want to clear up any double-dipping of your Social Security account.

    Requesting your statement is straightforward. You will need to create a my Social Security account if you dont already have one. You can access the sign-in/account creation page here. Once logged in, you can request a Social Security statement to print out from your account. If you prefer a low-tech approach, you can fill out a request form and mail it in, and get a statement mailed to you in 4 to 6 weeks.

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    Stolen Wallets Containing Social Security Cards

    If scammers steal your wallet, purse, or bag, they can gain access to your Social Security card. Even worse, they could also steal your driverâs license and credit cards â giving them everything they need to steal your identity and commit financial fraud. Try not to carry your Social Security card with you whenever possible.

    How Can Someone Get A Hold Of Your Social Security Number

    Buy Social Security Number Online

    Find Your Lost Social Security Card

    Losing your SSN card is a BIG deal, and it could end up in anyones hands. You hope its going to be a good Samaritan, but more often than not, its someone with bad intentions. If you ever need to carry your card with you, make sure its in a safe place where it wont fall out or get misplaced.

    Steal Your Mail, Purse, or Wallet

    Someone could get a hold of your SSN card if they steal your mail, wallet, or purse. Mail often contains private personal information that an identity thief can use to find out your social security number.

    Online Scams

    You would be surprised by the number of online scammers that are looking to get your personal information. They will say and do anything to manipulate you into providing your bank and credit card information, along with your SSN number. For example, they may pose as a legit business in your area who has an exclusive deal for you.

    Data Breaches

    Any website, business, or information database is open to being hacked. When data breaches occur, hackers often look to steal peoples personal information to sell or exploit. This includes someones social security number. Once the information is stolen, there is no way to get it back. All that can be done by the entity that was hacked is notify you about the situation.

    Dark Web

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    Why Use Self Lock

    Employment-related identity fraud could mean that someone else is working under your identity and using your SSN. If this happens, someone elses wages could be reported in your name to the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration, and other authorities. By using Self Lock, you can block someone from committing this fraud if they start working for an E-Verify employer. Even if you are not currently working, you may want to protect your SSN and identity with Self Lock.

    What To Do If You Lose Your Social Security Card

    Your Social Security number is valuable to identity thieves because its linked to your identity. Learn what to do if your Social Security card is stolen or lost and how to keep your personal information safe.

    Reading time: 5 minutes

    Highlights:

    • Your Social Security number can be valuable information for identity thieves
    • Consider placing a security freeze or fraud alert on your credit reports if your Social Security card is lost
    • If you know your Social Security number has been stolen, there are some additional steps you can take

    Your Social Security number is a valuable piece of information to identity thieves. Its a key element of your identity and is also linked to taxes and credit information. And except in limited circumstances, it cant be changed. Thats why its so worrisome to have your card lost or stolen.

    Here are some steps to take for a lost or stolen Social Security card:

    1. Consider placing a fraud alert or a security freeze on your credit reports or locking them. With an initial fraud alert, potential lenders and creditors are encouraged to take additional steps to verify your identity, such as contacting you by phone, before extending new credit. A fraud alert lasts for one year and can be renewed. Fraud alerts are free. Contact one of the three nationwide credit bureaus Equifax, Experian or TransUnion to request a fraud alert, and that bureau will notify the other two.

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    How Can Someone Steal My Social Security Number

    There are several ways that criminals look to steal peoples social security numbers. For example, thieves have found them by simply searching through trash to find personal documentation. Your social security number could also be at risk in the online sphere, with cybercriminals able to exploit data breaches and then either use your details themselves or sell them on the dark web.

    Warning Signs Your Identity Has Been Stolen

    What To Do If Your Social Security Number is Stolen

    With some best practices, you can protect your data and help safeguard you and your family against identity theft. One way to continue living your best life online is to watch for potential warning signs of identity theft. This ensures you can take fast action and minimize the effects if youre targeted. Here are some essential signs to look out for.

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    File Fraudulent Tax Returns

    Your Social Security number is also used to file your taxes in most cases. Someone who has your SSN can file a fraudulent tax return in your name to be able to claim a refund or stimulus money. You often dont know that a fraudulent tax return has been filed until you go to file your own. It can take months to straighten things out with the IRS, and this can keep you from being able to access your own refund in the meantime.

    Ways To Determine If Your Identity Has Been Stolen

    8 MIN READ

    Most of us use the internet every day, so were comfortable sharing a lot of information online. However, cybercriminals want us to get a bit too comfortable so they can take our personal or financial data and use it for their benefit. This is called identity theft, and it can cost people money and may dip their credit score.

    Fortunately, you can help minimize what happens by knowing the signs of identity theft and taking fast action when you recognize them. Find out how below.

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    What Should I Do If I Think Someone Is Using My Social Security Number

    If you think someone is using your number, there are several actions you can take. Note that we can only resolve Social Security number reporting problems on our own records.

    Review your Social Security earnings record Review the earnings posted to your record on your Social Security Statement. To get your online Statement, log into your personal mySocial Security account and check your account. If you see any inconsistencies, contact the Social Security Administration. We consider identity theft one of our major challenges so we have joined in government-wide efforts to prevent Social Security number misuse.If you want to report identity theft, where someone used your personal information, including your Social Security number, to get a loan or job, file a tax return, or conduct other business, please visit the Federal Trade Commissions Identity Theft page. This guides you through each step of the recovery process. Its a one-stop resource managed by the Federal Trade Commission, the nations consumer protection agency.Contact the Internal Revenue Service for issues involving taxesIf you believe someone is using your Social Security number to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes, contact the IRS online or call 1-800-908-4490. Order a free credit reportYou can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus .Make a single request for all three credit bureau reports:

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