Who to Call if Social Security Card is Stolen
losing your Social Security card can be a distressing experience, especially if you’re worried about identity theft. In such a situation, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself. One of the first steps you should take is knowing who to call. Here’s a guide on who to contact if your Social Security card is stolen.
1. Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA)
The first person you should call is the Social Security Administration. They can assist you in reporting the theft and provide guidance on the next steps to take. You can reach them at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). Be prepared to provide your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
2. File a police report
It’s essential to file a police report as soon as possible after discovering that your Social Security card has been stolen. This report will serve as evidence if someone attempts to use your identity. Contact your local police department and request to file a report. Make sure to keep a copy of the report for your records.
3. Contact credit bureaus
After reporting the theft to the SSA and the police, it’s important to contact the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This will help prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. Here are the contact numbers for each credit bureau:
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
4. Monitor your accounts
Keep a close eye on your bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts for any suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized transactions, report them to your financial institution immediately.
5. Consider placing a credit freeze
A credit freeze can prevent new accounts from being opened in your name without your consent. This is an additional layer of protection against identity theft. You can place a credit freeze with each of the three credit bureaus by following these steps:
- Equifax: https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-freeze/
- Experian: https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html
- TransUnion: https://www.transunion.com/freeze
In conclusion, if your Social Security card is stolen, it’s important to act quickly to protect yourself from identity theft. By contacting the SSA, filing a police report, placing a fraud alert on your credit report, monitoring your accounts, and considering a credit freeze, you can minimize the risk of your identity being misused.
