What to Do if You Lose Your Social Security Card
We all possess a social security number card – but its safety isn’t something we often consider during our busy lives. It is worth knowing, however, that they are a crucial aspect of our ‘data identities’, with ties to individual credit and taxes.
If it were to become lost, the chief issue becomes who has access to it, and what exactly they could potentially use it for. As we already know, a social security number is a personally identifiable piece of information, and fraudsters areLose Your Social Security Card very capable of exploiting confidential data for financial gain.
Therefore you should always store your social security card in a safe place, well out of sight and reach of strangers. It’s often best kept from authorities and professional institutions too (unless absolutely necessary). But what if your social security card has already been lost or stolen? What actions should you take?
If your card has been stolen, you’ll need to file a theft report with the police and or appropriate federal trade authority. Calling a social security fraud hotline is highly recommended if you suspect your identity has already been compromised. It may also be worth informing your internal revenue service to help prevent fraudulent tax returns.
You’ll also need to contact and request a new card from your social security administration. Depending on your location, you’ll either be able to conveniently apply online or may have to supply some documentation via an application process.
You should consider raising a fraud alert, placing a security freeze on your credit reports, or even locking them. These actions could significantly strengthen your control of the situation, with a fraud alert, for example, encouraging lenders and creditors to verify your identity before extending future credit.
Going forward, keep a close eye on your credit reports – a reputable identity theft protection service can prove invaluable in this area, courtesy of credit monitoring and fraud alert tools. Watch out for any unusual activities, like unauthorized changes to your accounts, or new ones popping up in your name.
