Loss, Theft and Your Social Security Number

Everyone knows this one: "Your Social Security number is a secret." Or how about this one: "Never keep your Social Security card in your wallet or purse." Your Social Security number is unique to you and stays with you for life. So, what happens when your card is lost or stolen?

Replacing a Lost Card

If you need to replace your Social Security card, you can do so free of charge. You are entitled to three replacement cards a year with a maximum of 10 during your lifetime. Changes in your legal status, such as a name change, do not count towards your allowed number of replacements. If you exceed your allowed number of replacement cards, you still might be able to get a replacement card if you can show that you will face a significant hardship without one. The replacement card will show your existing Social Security number.

In order to get the replacement card you need to go to your local Social Security office and present the proper documents, which include:

• A completed application for a Social Security card (Form SS-5) which can be obtained from the Social Security website.
• A recently issued document that shows your identity, such as a driver's license.
• Evidence of your U.S. citizenship if you were born outside of the United States and did not show proof of citizenship when you got your original card.
• Evidence of your current legal non-citizen status if you are not a U.S. citizen.

Replacing a Stolen Card

If your Social Security card is stolen, the same steps should be taken to acquire a replacement card as those for a lost card. Your new card will still show the same name and number as the old card.

Your Social Security Number and Identity Theft

Thieves use your Social Security number for a variety of purposes, such as opening lines of credit and seeking work. If you have been the victim of identity theft there are a number of steps to take: File a police report, tell creditors and the banks where you have accounts and contact credit reporting agencies.

If you believe someone is using your Social Security number to apply for a job, report it to the Social Security Administration's Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. You will also then need to verify the accuracy of your earnings reported for your Social Security number which you can do by calling 1-800-772-1213.

If you think someone is using your Social Security number to obtain a driver's license or identification card, contact your state's department of motor vehicles and alert them.

You may think about getting a new Social Security number. However, can't get a new number simply because your card has been lost or stolen. A person must actively be using your number for you to requset a new one. If you have exhausted all options to prevent illegal use of your number and someone is still using it, request a new Social Security number . However, getting a new Social Security number presents problems as well.

• Inability to use your old number. Just think how many times you have used that number.
• Although you will no longer be able to use your old number, other government agencies, like the Internal Revenue Service and your state's department of motor vehicles, as well as financial institutions such as banks will have your old number. Getting everything to sync back up could be quite difficult and time consuming.
• Problems caused to your credit rating and records by the identity theft will not necessarily be wiped away since credit reporting companies use other personal information besides your Social Security number to identify you.
• If, on the other hand, for some reason your old credit information is not connected to your new Social Security number, it may look like you do not have a credit history, and it could be more difficult to get credit.

If you are still determined to get a new number, here's what you need to do when you apply for a new number with the Social Security office:

• Prove your age by bringing a copy of your birth certificate; if you don't have it, your U.S. Passport could be used.
• Prove your U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status.
• Prove your identity. Acceptable forms of identification are found in "Your Social Security Number and Card." They generally include a driver's license or state-issued ID card, a US Passport, school and work ID cards, or private health insurance cards. Evidence of harm caused by the illegal use, such as attempts by someone to get a driver's license in your name or jobs on your Social Security statement that you've never had must be given.
• Before going down to your local Social Security office, you may want to read the publication Your Social Security Number and Card (Publication Number 05-10002), which provides additional information about issues related to your Social Security number and card replacement.

Protecting Your Social Security Number

Protect your Social Security number. Your number is confidential. Don't just give it out to anyone. Also, avoid carrying your card in your purse or wallet unless you know that you're going to need it. Giving your number is voluntary even when you are asked for it directly.

When someone asks for the number, you should ask them:

• Why do they need it?
• How it will be used?
• What will happen if you refuse?
• Which law requires you to give the number?
• If the number is needed for identification purposes, such as an account, can an alternative identifying number be used or created?

It might seem like a hassle, but better safe than sorry!

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