What happens when someone uses your Social Security number without permission

When someone uses your Social Security number without your knowledge, they can open credit accounts in your name, file tax returns to steal your refund, get a job using your number, or commit crimes under your identity. The damage can range from a single fraudulent charge to years of credit problems and legal confusion. Your Social Security number is the key that lets someone impersonate you in almost any financial or legal transaction.

The person using your number may be a stranger who bought it on the dark web, a family member or caregiver with access to your documents, a healthcare worker, a coworker, or someone who stole your mail or wallet. Seniors are targeted more often because they may not check credit reports regularly, and scammers know that older adults sometimes trust people more easily.

Key Takeaways

  • Someone using your Social Security number can open credit cards, take out loans, file tax returns, or get employment in your name.
  • Check your credit report for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com, and watch for accounts you did not open or inquiries you did not authorize.
  • If you find fraud, place a fraud alert with one credit bureau (they notify the other two), then get your free credit report to see what accounts exist in your name.
  • Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov, which creates an official record you can show to creditors and banks.
  • You can request a credit freeze to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name, though you will need to unfreeze it temporarily when you want to explore for credit yourself.

Signs that someone is using your Social Security number

Watch for bills or collection notices for accounts you never opened. Banks and credit card companies may send statements, past-due notices, or collection letters for debts in your name. You might receive a letter from the IRS saying you owe taxes, or a notice that someone filed a return using your number. Employers may report wages you never earned on your Social Security record.

Check your credit report for unfamiliar accounts, hard inquiries from companies you never contacted, or addresses you do not recognize. You can get your free credit report once per year from each of the three major bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — at annualcreditreport.com. If you spot something wrong, that is the time to act, before the fraud spreads further.

Another sign is a call from a debt collector about a debt you do not owe, or a notice that your Social Security benefits have been reduced or stopped. If you are a senior receiving benefits, watch your benefit statement for changes you did not request.

Steps to take if you discover fraud

First, place a fraud alert with one of the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. Call their fraud department directly (do not use a number from a letter, as scammers sometimes send fake notices). When you place a fraud alert with one bureau, they are required to notify the other two. A fraud alert tells lenders to contact you by phone before opening new accounts, which can stop a thief from opening more credit in your name.

Next, go to annualcreditreport.com and pull your credit report from all three bureaus. Write down every account you do not recognize — the account number, the company, the date it was opened, and the balance. This list becomes your evidence.

Then report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. You will answer questions about what happened, and the FTC will create an official Identity Theft Report. This report is proof to creditors and banks that you are a victim, and it can help you dispute fraudulent accounts without having to send letters to each company separately.

Contact each company that opened a fraudulent account in your name. Tell them you are a victim of identity theft and provide your FTC Identity Theft Report number. Ask them to close the account and remove it from your credit report. Keep records of every call — write down the date, time, the person's name, and what they said they would do.

How to prevent new fraud after you have reported it

Consider placing a credit freeze with all three bureaus. A credit freeze prevents anyone — including you — from opening new accounts in your name without unfreezing first. You can freeze your credit for free, and you can unfreeze it temporarily when you want to explore for a credit card, loan, or rental. The freeze stays in place until you remove it, which makes it much harder for a thief to open new accounts.

If you are over 62, you can also place an extended fraud alert, which lasts seven years instead of one year. This gives you longer protection while you rebuild your credit.

Monitor your credit report regularly. Many people check it once a year; if you have been a victim of fraud, check it every few months for the first year and then at least once a year after that. You can also sign up for free credit monitoring through the FTC's IdentityTheft.gov site, which will alert you to changes in your credit report.

What to do if a thief filed taxes in your name

If you discover that someone filed a tax return using your Social Security number, contact the IRS right away. Call the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490. The IRS has a process for victims of tax identity theft, and they will help you file your own return and reclaim any refund the thief stole.

You will also need to file Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, with the IRS. This form tells the IRS that you are a victim and that the return was fraudulent. The IRS can take months to resolve tax identity theft, so file as soon as you find out.

Keep copies of everything — your FTC Identity Theft Report, any letters from the IRS, and your own tax return. These documents prove your case if the IRS questions your return later.

Protecting your Social Security number going forward

Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Keep it in a safe place at home — a locked drawer, a safe, or a safe deposit box. Many people do not need to carry it at all; you only need it when you are opening a bank account, explore for credit, or starting a new job.

Do not give your Social Security number over the phone unless you called the number yourself. If someone calls you asking for it, hang up and call the organization back using a number you know is real — from your bill, from the official website, or from directory information.

Shred documents that contain your Social Security number before throwing them away. This includes old tax returns, bank statements, and medical bills. Buy a cross-cut shredder if you have a lot of documents.

Be cautious about who has access to your documents. If you have a caregiver, home health aide, or family member in your home, keep sensitive documents locked up. Sadly, some identity theft happens because someone close to you has access to your information.

When to contact law enforcement

If the identity theft involved a crime — such as someone using your number to get a job, to commit fraud, or to open accounts with the intent to steal — you can file a police report. This is not required, but it creates an official record that can help if you need to dispute debts later or if the thief is caught.

Contact your local police department or the police department where the fraud occurred. Bring your FTC Identity Theft Report and your list of fraudulent accounts. The police may not be able to investigate (many departments have limited resources for identity theft), but the report itself is useful documentation.

You can also report the fraud to your state's Attorney General office, which tracks identity theft complaints and may investigate patterns of fraud in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a new Social Security number?

The Social Security Administration will issue a new number only in rare cases — usually when identity theft is severe and ongoing, or when someone is being harassed or abused. You must show that you have already taken steps to stop the fraud and that a new number is necessary. Contact your local Social Security office to ask about this option.

Will identity theft hurt my credit score?

Yes. Fraudulent accounts and missed payments (made by the thief) will lower your credit score. Once you dispute the accounts and they are removed from your credit report, your score will begin to recover, though it may take months or years depending on how much damage was done.

What if the thief is someone I know?

Follow the same steps — place a fraud alert, report to the FTC, and dispute the accounts. You can also file a police report. If the person is a family member or caregiver, you may need to consider whether you want to press charges or straightforward protect yourself by removing their access to your documents and information.

Do I have to pay debts the thief created?

No. Once you report the fraud to the creditor and provide your FTC Identity Theft Report, you should not be held responsible for those debts. However, you may need to dispute them in writing and provide documentation. If a debt collector continues to pursue you, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

How long does it take to fix identity theft?

It depends on how much fraud occurred. straightforward cases — one or two fraudulent accounts — may be resolved in a few weeks. Complex cases with multiple accounts, tax fraud, or criminal charges can take months or years. Stay organized, keep records, and follow up regularly with creditors and the FTC.