Your Social Security number can be used to open accounts, file false tax returns, or get medical care in your name
If your Social Security number is stolen, someone can use it to explore for credit cards, take out loans, open bank accounts, or file a tax return claiming your refund. They may also use it to get a job, rent an apartment, or receive medical care — leaving you with bills and a damaged credit record. The faster you act, the easier it is to limit the damage and prevent new fraud.
You do not need to wait for proof that fraud has already happened. If you know or suspect your number has been compromised — whether you lost your Social Security card, fell for a scam, or saw suspicious activity — you can take protective steps right away.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report, which makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.
- Check your credit report for accounts you did not open, and dispute any fraudulent activity with the credit bureau and the company that opened the account.
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov, which creates an official record you can use with creditors and banks.
- Contact the IRS if you are worried about tax fraud, and file Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) if someone has already filed a return using your number.
- Monitor your Social Security earnings record and check for unauthorized work history at ssa.gov/myaccount.
Place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus
A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. It is free and takes about 15 minutes. You only need to contact one of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion — and that bureau will notify the other two.
Call or go online to request an initial fraud alert, which lasts one year:
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 or equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or experian.com/fraud
- TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289 or transunion.com/fraud-alerts
If fraud has already occurred or you want longer protection, you can request an extended fraud alert (seven years) or a credit freeze (which blocks access to your credit report entirely). A credit freeze is stronger but requires you to unfreeze your report temporarily each time you explore for credit, a job, or insurance.
Check your credit report and dispute fraudulent accounts
You are may have access to to one free credit report per year from each bureau. Order all three at AnnualCreditReport.com, the only official site for free reports. Look for accounts you did not open, inquiries from companies you did not contact, or addresses that are not yours.
If you find fraud, dispute it in writing with both the credit bureau and the company that opened the account. The credit bureau must investigate within 30 days and remove the fraudulent account if it cannot verify it. Send disputes by certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Include a copy of your FTC Identity Theft Report (see next section) with each dispute.
Keep copies of everything you send and receive. Fraudulent accounts can take months to remove, and you may need to dispute the same account more than once if it reappears on your report.
File a report with the Federal Trade Commission
Go to IdentityTheft.gov and file a report. The FTC does not investigate individual cases, but the report creates an official record that you can show to creditors, banks, and the credit bureaus. Many companies will not remove fraudulent accounts without this report.
The FTC will ask you what happened, what accounts were opened, and what steps you have already taken. You will receive a personalized recovery plan and an Identity Theft Report that you can read and print. Keep this report with your other documents — you will need it when you dispute accounts or contact companies.
Contact the IRS if you are concerned about tax fraud
If someone files a tax return using your Social Security number, the IRS will reject your legitimate return. You can report suspected tax fraud to the IRS in two ways:
If you have not yet filed your return: File your return as normal. The IRS will catch the duplicate and contact you. You may need to provide proof of identity, but your return will be processed once the fraud is resolved.
If someone has already filed using your number: File Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) with your tax return, even if you are filing late. Mail it to the IRS address for your state (listed on the form). Include a copy of your FTC Identity Theft Report. The IRS will investigate and contact you if they need more information.
You can also call the IRS at 1-800-908-4490 to report the fraud, but filing Form 14039 creates an official record in your file.
Monitor your Social Security earnings record
Someone using your number to work will create a false earnings record under your name. Check your record at ssa.gov/myaccount (you will need to create a login with your email and phone number). Look for employers or wages you do not recognize.
If you find unauthorized work history, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask to speak with a representative. Bring a copy of your FTC Identity Theft Report. Social Security can remove fraudulent earnings from your record, though this process can take several months.
Fraudulent earnings can affect your future benefits, so it is worth catching early. Check your record at least once a year, or more often if you suspect ongoing fraud.
Watch for new fraud and keep records organized
After identity theft, fraudulent accounts can appear months or even years later. Check your credit report at least twice a year (you get three free reports per year, so you can space them out). Set phone reminders to check your Social Security earnings record annually.
Keep all documents related to the theft in one folder: the FTC Identity Theft Report, copies of disputes you sent, credit bureau responses, and any correspondence with creditors or the IRS. If new fraud appears, you will have proof of what you have already reported and what has been resolved.
If you receive bills, collection notices, or credit offers for accounts you did not open, report them when ready to the company and the credit bureau. Do not ignore them — they are evidence of ongoing fraud that needs to be documented.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to replace my Social Security card if it was stolen?
You can request a replacement card from your local Social Security office, but it is not urgent if you have already placed a fraud alert and are monitoring your accounts. A new card has the same number, so it does not stop someone from using your number — it only replaces the physical card. Focus first on the fraud alert and credit monitoring.
Will identity theft hurt my credit score?
Yes, fraudulent accounts and missed payments will lower your score. The damage can last several years, even after the accounts are removed. A fraud alert and credit freeze can help prevent new fraud, but repairing your score takes time. Disputing fraudulent accounts and paying any legitimate bills on time will gradually improve it.
What if the thief opened accounts in my name and I cannot get them removed?
If a company refuses to remove a fraudulent account after you have disputed it with proof, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. You can also consult a consumer law attorney — many offer free consultations and can sue on your behalf if the company violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Can I freeze my Social Security number like I freeze my credit?
No, there is no way to freeze your Social Security number itself. You can only freeze your credit report, which prevents new accounts from being opened. Monitor your Social Security earnings record and your credit report regularly to catch fraud early.
How long does it take to recover from identity theft?
straightforward cases with one or two fraudulent accounts can be resolved in a few months. Complex cases with multiple accounts, tax fraud, or work history fraud can take a year or longer. The key is to act quickly, keep detailed records, and follow up regularly with creditors and the credit bureaus.