Act when ready if you suspect your Social Security number is in the wrong hands

If you believe someone has your Social Security number and may be using it, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338. The FTC will help you create a recovery plan and document what happened. At the same time, call the Social Security Administration's fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271 to report the breach directly to them. These two calls are your starting point — do them today, not tomorrow.

The reason to move fast is that someone with your Social Security number can open accounts, file a false tax return, or claim benefits in your name. The sooner you report it, the sooner you can freeze your credit and alert the agencies that monitor your accounts. You cannot undo the theft, but you can limit the damage by acting before the person uses it further.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov and the Social Security Administration at 1-800-269-0271 on the same day you discover the breach.
  • Place a credit freeze with all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to prevent someone from opening accounts in your name.
  • Monitor your Social Security earnings record at ssa.gov to catch fraudulent work history or wage reports.
  • File a police report in your local jurisdiction and keep the report number for your records and future disputes.
  • Watch your tax returns and IRS correspondence for signs that someone filed a false return using your number.

Place a credit freeze with all three bureaus

A credit freeze tells credit bureaus not to release your credit report to anyone trying to open a new account. This stops a thief from using your Social Security number to get a credit card, car loan, or mortgage in your name. You must contact each of the three major credit bureaus separately: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can freeze your credit for free, and the freeze stays in place until you remove it.

Equifax: 1-800-349-9960 or www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or www.experian.com/freeze TransUnion: 1-888-909-8872 or www.transunion.com/credit-freeze

When you call or go online, have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. The bureau will give you a confirmation number and a PIN — write these down and keep them somewhere safe. You will need the PIN if you want to unfreeze your credit later (for example, if you explore for a loan and need the lender to see your credit report).

Check your Social Security earnings record for fraud

Someone using your Social Security number may report false wages or work history under your name. This can affect your future benefits because Social Security calculates your benefit amount based on your lifetime earnings. You can see your earnings record for free at ssa.gov by creating a my Social Security account.

Log in and look at your "Earnings Record" to see what wages were reported to Social Security under your number each year. If you see work history you did not do or wages you did not earn, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask to report the fraud. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and proof of your address (a utility bill or lease works). Social Security can correct your record, but it may take time, so report it as soon as you spot it.

If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you can create one at ssa.gov. You will need an email address, a password, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or address on file with Social Security).

File a police report in your local jurisdiction

Contact your local police department or sheriff's office and file a report for identity theft. You do not need to wait for the police to investigate — your goal is to get a report number that documents the theft. This report number becomes proof when you dispute fraudulent accounts or charges later.

Some police departments take reports in person, by phone, or online. Call the non-emergency line for your city or county and ask how to file an identity theft report. Tell them your Social Security number was compromised and you want a report for your records. Keep the report number and a copy of the report itself in a safe place.

Monitor your tax returns and IRS mail

A thief with your Social Security number may file a false tax return before you do, claiming a refund in your name. The IRS will reject your real return when you file it, or you may receive a notice saying someone already filed under your number. Watch your mail for unexpected IRS letters, especially notices about refunds you did not request or income you did not earn.

If you receive an IRS notice about a return you did not file, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 right away. Tell them your Social Security number was compromised and you want to report the fraudulent return. The IRS has a process for identity theft cases and can flag your account to prevent future fraud. You may also file Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, with the IRS to document the theft.

File your own tax return as soon as you can each year — filing first makes it harder for a thief to file a false return using your number. If you file late and someone has already filed under your number, the IRS will contact you and help you resolve it.

Set up fraud alerts with the credit bureaus

In addition to a credit freeze, you can place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells lenders to contact you before opening any new account in your name. Unlike a freeze, a fraud alert does not block credit reports — it just adds a warning. A fraud alert lasts one year and is free.

You only need to contact one bureau to place a fraud alert, and that bureau will notify the other two. Call Equifax at 1-800-349-9960, Experian at 1-888-397-3742, or TransUnion at 1-888-909-8872 and ask for a fraud alert. If you are over 62 or a victim of identity theft, you can request an extended fraud alert that lasts seven years instead of one.

Monitor your bank and credit card statements

Check your bank accounts and credit card statements every week for charges you did not make. Set up online banking if you do not already use it — this lets you see transactions as they happen rather than waiting for a monthly statement. If you spot a fraudulent charge, contact your bank or credit card company right away and report it as unauthorized.

Most banks and credit card companies will reverse fraudulent charges and send you a new card. Keep records of every fraudulent transaction and the date you reported it. If the same account is targeted multiple times, ask your bank to close it and open a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to fix identity theft?

Recovery can take months or years depending on how much damage was done. A single fraudulent account might be resolved in weeks, but clearing your credit report of false accounts or correcting your Social Security earnings record can take much longer. Stay organized, keep copies of everything you report, and follow up with each agency every few weeks.

Will Social Security stop paying me benefits if my number is stolen?

No. Your benefits continue as normal. However, if someone is fraudulently reporting wages under your number, it could affect your future benefit amount. That is why checking your earnings record and reporting fraud to Social Security is important — it protects your future benefits.

Can I get a new Social Security number?

The Social Security Administration rarely issues a new number. You must show that you have already taken steps to stop the fraud (like placing a credit freeze and filing a police report) and that the theft is causing ongoing harm. If you want to request a new number, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask about the process. Most people do not need a new number — a freeze and fraud alert are usually enough.

What if I find out my number was stolen years ago?

Report it now, even if time has passed. Place a credit freeze, contact the FTC, and check your Social Security earnings record and credit reports. Fraudulent activity may not show up when ready, so it is never too late to protect yourself going forward.

Do I need to pay for credit monitoring services?

No. A credit freeze is free and more effective than paid monitoring. You can also check your credit reports for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com. Paid services may offer extra features, but they are not necessary to recover from identity theft.