What should you do if you think your Social Security number has been stolen? The Social Security Administration itself can't do much if someone uses your stolen information to, for example, open a line of credit or get a job. Review the steps below.
Note: If you are an ECU Credit Union’s Preferred Checking account member, Logon to your club checking https://ecucreditunion.clubchecking.com/ to get access to an identity theft Advocate. This knowledgeable resolution specialist will help you manage suspected or confirmed fraud until your identity is restored.
This service also includes identity theft insurance up to $10,000 for expenses incurred in recovery. Benefit requires a no-cost registration/activation.
Here are some steps to take:
- Head to the Federal Trade Commission's IdentityTheft.gov and fill out a form to receive a personal recovery plan. This plan walks you through all you need to know about protecting yourself from fraud and recovering your identity.
- Contact the Internal Revenue Service if your Social Security number has been stolen to prevent the thief from using your number to file a tax return and receive your tax refund or to prevent them from using your number for a job. If a thief uses your Social Security number to get a job, owed taxes may show up on your record. Visit the IRS's Identity Theft Central to dispute these claims, get help and clear up any issues you have.
- File an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, which monitors cybercrime complaints to combat internet crime. It's also advisable to check your credit report every so often to detect any fishy behavior as it happens. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to receive a free credit report.
NOTE: ECU Credit Union offers Credit Score through our online banking and mobile app. Credit Score provides you with safe and easy access to your credit score and report anytime and anywhere – this is a FREE easy-to-use service. You are not limited to viewing your credit report once a year.
- Contact the Social Security Administration if you think your Social Security number has been compromised and the administration can help review your statements.
Do I need a new Social Security number?
If you have done all the steps that the Social Security Administration recommends and your Social Security number is no longer being used by someone other than yourself, then you don't need to apply for a new SSN. If you've taken all of the necessary steps and still find that your number is being used, you can apply for a new one.
But the administration doesn't make it easy to get a new SSN. You'll need proof that your number continues to be used by someone other than yourself. The administration said if you lost your card or think someone stole your number but have no evidence of someone else using it, you won't be able to receive a new one.
What can I do in the future to help prevent identity theft?
Sometimes, like with the National Public Data breach, there is little you can do to keep your information safe. But you can take steps to limit your risk.
- Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Instead, store it in a safe place in your home. Try to memorize your number so you don't have to take your card out every time you're filling out a document that requires it. If you must provide your number over the phone, make sure you're far away from other people who could possibly hear it.
- Employers and landlords often request documents to be sent electronically through email. If you must provide your Social Security number or other personal documents by email, try encrypting the document with a password or providing your number separately in a phone call.
- Your employer will need your Social Security number to run a background check. But you should be skeptical of any job posting that requires you to enter personal information at the outset of an application. Unless you are starting a new position and have an offer in hand, you should not provide your Social Security number to a recruiter.
Finally, always check your bank statements and credit statements regularly to address any issues as soon as they pop up. Enable two-factor authentication on your passwords to protect your private information on websites and apps. Always verify the source of your notices -- whether they're phone calls or emails. The Social Security Administration said in general it will only call you if you requested a call. If you believe you've received a scam call or email, don't give the person any personal information.
How else could my personal data get stolen?
Theft happens everywhere, all the time. People will steal wallets and bags or go through mail in search of personal bank or credit card information. The Social Security Administration warns that people rummaging through trash outside of homes or businesses in search of critical information is another way identity theft takes place, along with people buying personal information from insider sources.
There's also the risk of receiving phone calls, texts or emails from seemingly official sources who are actually fraudsters looking to trick you into revealing information.
CNET's Bree Fowler explained, cyberattacks happen when hackers take to online accounts with combinations of usernames and passwords that are often stolen in previous data breaches and use them to break into as many accounts as they can. That strategy is reason enough to protect your passwords and use passkeys whenever possible.
ECU Credit Union employees will NEVER ask for verification codes or passwords. Do not send account numbers or passwords through email or chats unless you are sure it is secure. Report suspicious activity to 727-471-1330.
