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 can use your Social Security number for a variety of illegal purposes such as opening lines of credit, using your existing credit accounts, and seeking employment using your identity. If you have been the victim of identity theft there are a number of steps you need to take, which include informing your creditors and the banks where you have accounts, contacting credit reporting agencies, and notifying the Federal Trade Commission (this federal agency investigates and assists consumers who are victims of identity theft).

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. You cannot get a new number simply because your card has been lost or stolen. Someone must be actively using your number in order for you to obtain a new one. If you have exhausted all of your options to prevent the illegal use of your number and someone else is still using it, you can request that a new Social Security number be assigned to you. However, getting a new Social Security number presents a number of problems, such as:

• 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 outlined in Your Social Security Number and Card (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10002.html), and generally include a driver's license or state-issued identification card, a U.S. Passport, school and employment identification cards, or private health insurance cards. Provide evidence that you are being harmed by the illegal use of your number, such as continued attempts by someone to get a driver's license in your name, or the continued appearance of jobs on your Social Security statement that you never held.
• 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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