Stop the damage first, then report it

If you believe your Social Security number has been stolen, your first move is to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You only need to call one bureau; they are required to notify the other two.

Call Equifax at 1-800-525-6285, Experian at 1-888-397-3742, or TransUnion at 1-800-680-7289. The initial fraud alert lasts one year and is free. If you are over 62, you can request an extended alert that lasts seven years, though this requires additional steps with each bureau.

After placing the fraud alert, check your credit report for accounts you did not open. You can view your report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com — the official site run by the three bureaus. Look for new credit cards, loans, or inquiries you do not recognize. If you find fraudulent accounts, contact the creditor directly and ask them to close the account and remove the fraudulent charges.

Key Takeaways

  • Place a fraud alert with one of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) by phone within 24 hours of discovering the theft.
  • Check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com for accounts you did not open, and contact creditors directly to dispute fraudulent charges.
  • File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov, which creates an official record and generates a recovery plan.
  • Report the theft to the Social Security Administration by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office in person.
  • Consider a credit freeze if you want to prevent new accounts entirely, though this requires separate requests to each of the three bureaus.

File a report with the Federal Trade Commission

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) runs identitytheft.gov, a free resource where you can report identity theft and create an official record. Go to identitytheft.gov, select "Report identity theft," and choose "Someone misused my personal information." Answer questions about what happened and what information was stolen.

When you finish, the FTC generates a personalized recovery plan with step-by-step instructions for your situation. It also produces an Identity Theft Report, which you can use as proof of the theft when disputing fraudulent accounts with creditors or credit bureaus. Many creditors will remove fraudulent charges faster if you provide this report.

The FTC does not investigate individual cases, but the information you provide helps them track patterns of identity theft and take action against scammers. Reporting costs nothing and takes about 15 minutes.

Notify the Social Security Administration

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to report that your number has been stolen. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person — find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator. Bring a photo ID and proof of your address.

The Social Security Administration will note the theft in your file. They cannot issue you a new number unless you can show that someone is actively using your number to commit fraud or that the theft is causing you ongoing harm. A new number is rare and comes with complications — your work history and benefits record stay tied to your old number, so switching creates gaps in your record.

Even without a new number, reporting the theft to Social Security creates a record that protects you if someone tries to use your number to work illegally or claim benefits under your name.

Monitor your accounts and tax records

Check your bank and credit card statements monthly for charges you do not recognize. Set up account alerts with your bank so they notify you of large or unusual transactions. Many banks offer free fraud monitoring tools through their online portal.

Watch for mail from creditors or government agencies about accounts or benefits you did not request. If you receive a tax form (like a W-2 or 1099) for work you did not do, contact the IRS at 1-800-908-4490 to report it. Someone may be using your number to work illegally.

Keep copies of all correspondence about the theft — fraud alert confirmations, credit reports, dispute letters, and the FTC Identity Theft Report. Store these in a safe place. You may need them later if a creditor or debt collector contacts you about fraudulent accounts.

Understand credit freezes versus fraud alerts

A fraud alert warns lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts, but lenders can still open accounts if they follow the verification steps. A credit freeze is stronger — it blocks lenders from viewing your credit report entirely, which prevents them from opening new accounts without your permission.

A credit freeze requires you to contact each of the three bureaus separately. You can request a freeze online, by mail, or by phone. Equifax (1-800-525-6285), Experian (1-888-397-3742), and TransUnion (1-800-680-7289) all offer free freezes. The freeze takes effect within one business day and lasts until you remove it.

The downside of a credit freeze is that you must temporarily lift it whenever you explore for credit, a job, or insurance — any situation where a company needs to view your credit report. This takes a phone call or online request to each bureau. If you rarely explore for new credit, a freeze offers stronger protection. If you explore for credit regularly, a fraud alert may be more convenient.

What to do if you are denied credit or employment

If a lender or employer denies you credit or a job because of fraudulent accounts on your report, you have the right to dispute those accounts. Contact the creditor in writing and provide your FTC Identity Theft Report. Include a copy of the police report if you filed one (though filing a police report is optional).

The creditor must investigate your dispute within 30 days. If they cannot prove the account is yours, they must remove it from your credit report and notify the credit bureaus. Send your dispute letter by certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the creditor received it.

If the creditor does not respond or refuses to remove the fraudulent account, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at consumerfinance.gov. You can also dispute the account directly with the credit bureau that is reporting it.

Protect yourself going forward

After your number is stolen, thieves may try to use it again. Check your credit report at least once per year (free at annualcreditreport.com) and consider setting up a credit monitoring service. Many banks and credit card companies offer free monitoring to their customers.

Shred documents with your Social Security number before throwing them away. Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet unless you need it that day. Do not give your number to anyone who calls you — legitimate companies already have your number and will not ask for it over the phone.

If you receive a notice that another company's database was breached and your information may have been exposed, place a fraud alert when ready. The sooner you act, the less time a thief has to use your number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a new Social Security number?

The Social Security Administration rarely issues new numbers. You must show that someone is actively using your number to commit fraud or that the theft is causing you serious, ongoing harm. Even then, approval is not may provide. A new number creates complications because your work history stays tied to your old number.

How long does it take to fix identity theft?

Removing fraudulent accounts from your credit report typically takes 30 to 90 days once you dispute them. However, if a thief opened many accounts or took out loans in your name, the process can take months or longer. Staying organized and following up with creditors speeds the process.

Do I need to file a police report?

Filing a police report is optional but helpful. A police report creates an official record that some creditors and credit bureaus accept as proof of identity theft. You can file a report in person at your local police department or online if your city offers that option.

What if the thief used my number to work?

Contact the IRS at 1-800-908-4490 to report that someone used your number to work. The IRS can help separate your legitimate income from fraudulent income on your tax record. You may also need to file an amended tax return if the fraudulent income affects your taxes.

Will identity theft hurt my Social Security benefits?

Identity theft does not directly affect your Social Security benefits, but it can cause problems if a thief claims benefits under your name or if fraudulent income appears on your earnings record. Report the theft to Social Security so they can monitor your account and correct any errors on your record.