Report the theft to Social Security when ready

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) as soon as you know your card is missing or stolen. Have your Social Security number ready when you call. The representative will document the theft and flag your number in their system.

You can also report it in person at your local Social Security office. Find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator. Bring a photo ID and proof of citizenship or legal residency — a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers all work.

Reporting to Social Security does not automatically protect you from identity theft, but it creates an official record that your number was compromised. This record can help if someone later uses your number fraudulently.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 right away to report the theft and flag your number in their system.
  • You will need to order a replacement card, which takes about two weeks and costs nothing.
  • Contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to place a fraud alert on your credit file.
  • Monitor your credit report and bank statements for unauthorized accounts or charges, and check your Social Security earnings record annually.
  • A stolen card alone does not automatically lead to identity theft, but a thief needs your number plus other personal information to cause real damage.

Order a replacement card

After you report the theft, you can order a replacement card. You are allowed three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime, so a stolen card does not exhaust your limit.

You have three ways to order: online at ssa.gov/myaccount (you will need to create or sign into your account), by mail using Form SS-5, or in person at a Social Security office. The online method is fastest — you can submit your request in minutes and track its status in your account.

Bring or mail a photo ID and proof of citizenship or legal residency. The replacement card arrives in the mail in about two weeks and is free. The new card will have the same Social Security number as the stolen one.

Place a fraud alert with credit bureaus

Contact the three major credit reporting bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

You only need to call one bureau; by law, that bureau must 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 alert lasts one year and is free to place.

After one year, the alert expires. You can renew it by calling again, or you can place an extended fraud alert that lasts seven years if you file an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission.

Check your credit report and monitor accounts

Request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three bureaus at annualcreditreport.com. This is the official site authorized by federal law — do not use other sites that claim to offer free reports.

Review each report for accounts you did not open, inquiries you did not authorize, or charges you do not recognize. If you find fraudulent activity, contact the bureau that issued the report and the creditor directly to dispute the charges.

Check your bank and credit card statements monthly for unauthorized transactions. Set up account alerts with your bank so you are notified of large purchases or new transfers. Many banks offer free monitoring tools through their online banking portal.

Monitor your Social Security earnings record

Your Social Security earnings record shows all wages reported to Social Security under your number. If a thief uses your number to work, false earnings will appear on your record and could affect your future benefits.

Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount to view your earnings record online. You can check it anytime without calling. Review it at least once a year, and more often in the months after the theft.

If you see earnings you did not earn, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 with the details. Bring documentation of your actual employment — pay stubs, tax returns, or W-2 forms — to prove the earnings are false. Social Security will investigate and correct your record if the earnings are fraudulent.

File an identity theft report if accounts are opened in your name

If a thief opens credit accounts, takes out loans, or files taxes using your stolen number, file an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. This report creates an official record of the theft and gives you legal rights to dispute fraudulent accounts.

The FTC report also allows you to place an extended fraud alert (seven years instead of one) and to order a credit freeze, which prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name without your permission.

You do not need to file an FTC report just because your card was stolen. File only if you discover actual fraudulent activity — accounts opened without your knowledge, charges you did not make, or false earnings on your Social Security record.

Understand what a stolen card alone does not do

A stolen Social Security card is serious, but it is not automatically a disaster. A thief needs more than just your card number to cause real damage — they also need your name, address, date of birth, and often other details to open accounts or commit fraud.

If your card was stolen but no other personal information was compromised, the risk of identity theft is lower. That said, it is still wise to monitor your accounts and credit report for the next year, because thieves sometimes hold onto stolen numbers and use them months later.

If your card was stolen along with a wallet, purse, or bag that contained other ID or documents, the risk is higher. In that case, follow all the steps above: report to Social Security, place a fraud alert, and monitor your credit and earnings record closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my Social Security number if they only have my card?

A thief with only your card number faces a real barrier — most fraud requires additional information like your name, address, or date of birth. However, your card often comes with other documents in a wallet or bag, so assume the thief may have more than just the number. Monitor your accounts anyway.

Do I need to file a police report?

Filing a police report is optional but can be useful. A police report creates an official record that may help you dispute fraudulent accounts later. Some credit bureaus and creditors ask for a police report number when you dispute charges. Call your local police non-emergency line to file.

Will my Social Security benefits be affected?

Your benefits themselves are not at risk because of a stolen card. However, if a thief uses your number to work and false earnings appear on your record, it could affect your future benefit amount. Check your earnings record and correct any false entries with Social Security.

How long should I monitor my accounts after the theft?

Monitor closely for at least one year after the theft. Many identity theft schemes take months to surface. After one year, continue checking your credit report annually and your Social Security earnings record at least once a year for the rest of your working life.

What if I find out someone filed taxes using my Social Security number?

Contact the IRS when ready at 1-800-908-4490 or file Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) at irs.gov. The IRS has a dedicated identity theft unit. You will also want to file an identity theft report with the FTC at identitytheft.gov to create an official record.