What are Social Security numbers? In the system of
Social Security,
every individual is assigned a Social Security number which helps the
administration keep track of all the benefits that the particular person is
eligible for. It is also a very important proof of identity and is therefore,
used for verification in many situations, especially during financial
transactions. The card that possesses information about the Social Security
number is known as the
Social
Security card. So what do you do in the case of stolen Social Security
card and how do you go about the process of receiving a replacement for the
same?
Having a stolen Social Security card is very dangerous as it is possible that
whoever has stolen the same will use it for a number of delinquent things. It
is possible that your identity may be stolen making you liable in case of any
forgeries or criminal cases. Since there are no means of biometric
identification on a Social Security card, protecting
Social Security number (SSN) and card information becomes more difficult.
How to Report Stolen Social Security Card?
In case you are a victim in a case of a stolen Social Security card, then the
first step that you need to take is report the same to a credit reporting
agency. This will help you ensure whether or not the card is being used in a
case of identity theft. Before you go about learning
how to replace a lost Social Security card, it is important to verify that
there is misuse of your Social Security number as only then will a replacement
of the same be possible. Given below are the steps you need to follow to
report a stolen Social Security card.
- Contact one of the three credit reporting agencies; Experian, Equifax,
or TransUnion. This is very important and is the first thing you need to do
as soon as you realize that your Social Security card has been stolen. Doing
so will allow you to place a fraud alert on your credit statement. Check
your credit report for any inaccurate information and get any such
information removed. It is important that after
reporting Social Security fraud like theft of the card, you monitor your
credit report at least every three months.
- If your financial accounts have been tampered with, then talk to the
companies involved and keep documentation of all your communication with
them.
- It is important that you inform the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) about
the stolen Social Security card and the ensuing identity theft. You can file
this complaint online on the FTC website, where they have easy to follow
instruction to do so. You will be required to answer some questions about
the Social Security card misuse.
- It is also important that you file a police report for the stolen Social
Security card in case it is being used illegally. In order to do so you will
need to take a copy of the complaint you have filed with the FTC to the
police station.
As mentioned before
Social Security card replacement is possible only if there is evidence
that the card is being misused by someone. In order to replace a card you need
to know your Social Security number. This is of prime importance. If you need
to know
how to get a new Social Security card to replace the stolen Social
Security card, the process is very easy. All you need to do is fill up a SS-5
Form which comprises if an application for Social Security card. Along with
this form you need to show documents that prove that you are a US citizen and
your identity. In case of immigrants you need to prove your immigration status
and your eligibility to work. You will then need to submit these documents to
your local Social Security office. Any person is eligible to only three
replacement cards in a year and ten cards in your entire lifetime. In case you
change your name or there is change in your citizenship status, then that
would not be included in these limitations.
Social Security card replacement requirements define that you cannot
receive a new number in case you have filed for bankruptcy, there is proof
that you are trying to avoid legal responsibility, or there is no proof that
misuse of your stolen Social Security card is taking place. In case you are
eligible for replacement of card, there is not
Social Security card replacement cost and the entire process is free.
Social Security Administration office advises that in order to avoid a
situation of stolen Social Security card, one should avoid carrying the card
with you. It is advisable to store the same with other important papers. It is
also important that you do not give out your Social Security number to all and
sundry without proper verification.