While losing your Social Security card sounds like a dire situation, with the right information, you can protect yourself from identity theft, even if someone has stolen or found it. In some cases, you may not even need to get a replacement card. Let’s talk about what to do if your Social Security card is lost or stolen. Our Top Choices to Protect Yourself Against Identity TheftDo I Need a Physical Social Security Replacement Card?A Social Security number (SSN) is what helps you get jobs and collect Social Security benefits and other government services. An SSN is essential; the physical card is less so. In most cases, according to the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), knowing your SSN is sufficient. For example, if you want to get a Real ID to fly domestically or access certain federal facilities, an SS card isn’t necessary. Rather, you could use a recent pay stub, a W-2, an SSA-1099 (the SS Benefit Statement), or other tax documents that show your full name. Even just knowing your SSN can serve as proof, believe it or not. How Thieves Can Profit From Your Social Security CardThat being said, if your SS card has fallen into the wrong hands, you may be at risk of identity theft. Thieves can use your SSN to:
What To Do if Your Social Security Card Is Lost or StolenEven though having an SS card may not be necessary, many people will want to replace it, and you can complete that process online or offline. Request a New Social Security Card OnlineTo request a new SS card online, create a My Social Security account3 or log on to your existing account. This applies to residents of all U.S. states except five:
If you live in any of the above states, go to the next section (about requesting a new SS card offline). NOTE: Was your driver’s license or ID card issued by a U.S. territory like American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands? If so, you can’t request a new SS card online; you must do it either over the phone or in person. If you live in an eligible state, there are a few more requirements to request a new SS card online:
After you request a new card, you should get a replacement within 10 to 14 days.4 Request a New Social Security Card OfflineYou don’t need to use the internet to request a new SS card, however. You can also:
If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, call 1-800-325-0778 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on a weekday.5 Other Steps To TakeProtecting your identity doesn’t end there. Here are a few other precautions to take after losing your SS card:
Follow these steps if you’re concerned about identity theft: File a police report. Report the loss of your SS card to your local police station. To learn more, read our complete identity theft guide. Requesting a Social Security Card for Your ChildChildren are prone to losing things and, unfortunately, to identity theft. In fact, our child identity theft research showed that 14 percent of kids have had their identities stolen, which is a concern of over 70 percent of U.S. parents. To get your child a new SS card after it has been lost or stolen, you’ll need documents proving:
All of these documents must either be originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. Once you’ve collected all the necessary documents, complete an SS card application11 and mail it, along with the documents, to your local SSA office or card center.12 Within 10 business days from the date on the receipt, you’ll receive your child’s new SS card. How To Protect Your Social Security Card Moving ForwardIn general, these are some best practices to protect yourself from identity theft, particularly regarding your SS card and your SSN number:
RecapWhile losing your SS card is a stressful incident, a few simple steps can protect your identity now and beyond. Of course, since there’s no guaranteed way to prevent identity theft, you should learn what to do if your identity is stolen. From data breaches to misplaced SS cards, identity theft is always a possibility, but with the best practices, you can decrease your risk significantly. FAQsIdentity theft is a huge topic, particularly concerning SS cards. Here are answers to some of your most common questions.
What do you do if someone steals your Social Security number?You may reach the FTC's identity theft hotline toll free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or visit their website at www.ftc.gov/idtheft. Additional Resources: Protecting Your Social Security Number from Identity Theft.
Can someone steal your identity if you lose your Social Security card?That being said, if your SS card has fallen into the wrong hands, you may be at risk of identity theft. Thieves can use your SSN to: Apply for credit in your name and then not pay the bills, which can damage your credit score1. Apply for jobs.
Can you put a freeze on your Social Security number?If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).
How can I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number?Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 1-800-908-4490 or visit them online, if you believe someone is using your SSN to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes. Order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
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