What to Do If Your Social Security Card Has Been Stolen

Your Social Security card is an important form of identification. Most people have their Social Security number (SSN) memorized. Since employers, schools, healthcare providers, banks, and many government offices and programs ask for it. Often, you will only need to provide your actual number. However, there are times when you will have to present your physical card. So, it’s important to have it available for when you need it. If your Social Security card has been stolen, you are at risk for identity theft. This can damage your credit and your finances. Obviously, this can have a serious impact on many aspects of your life. Therefore, if your Social Security card has been stolen, you should immediately take the following steps to minimize the risks.

Step 1: Report that your Social Security card has been stolen

First, you’ll need to report that your Social Security card has been stolen. In order to lock your credit or qualify for bank restitution, you will need a police report number. So, you should immediately contact the police and report your Social Security card stolen.

 Step 2: Freeze or monitor your credit

Second, you should freeze your credit. This will prevent anyone from applying for a credit card or loan in your name. A credit freeze helps protect you from identity theft and damage to your credit and finances. However, just freezing your credit only does so much. There are also credit monitoring services that offer more protection. They do cost money, but it is quite affordable compared to the cost of identity theft. There are many independent services that you can use. But, many banks and credit card companies now offer credit monitoring services, as well. They are usually available for a minimal charge when you have an account with them. While it’s important to freeze your credit right away, you can take a little time researching your options for credit monitoring. Make sure that you choose a good service that you can trust. You should also continue to monitor your credit yourself. You can pull your credit report for free once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus. If you discover that you have become a victim of identity theft, you should report it here (https://IdentityTheft.gov).

Experian

https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html

Transunion

https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze

Equifax

https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/

Step 3: Replace your Social Security card

Third, you will need to quickly replace your SS card. This does not replace your SSN, as your SSN is yours for life. However, there are many situations where you will need to show your physical card. You don’t want to wait until you need it to apply for a new one. You can apply for a Social Security card replacement through the SSA, and you will need to provide at least two forms of identification. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid, unexpired:

• U.S. passport
• U.S. driver’s license
• State-issued ID card

Depending on your circumstances, the SSA may request additional forms of ID or paperwork. You can find out which documents you will need here. (https://resources.ssnsimple.com/social-security-articles/what-documents-do-i-need-to-get-a-new-social-security-card)

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Step 4: Protect your new Social Security card

Finally, you should take precautions to make sure that your new card stays safe. It’s best to keep your Social Security at home, in a safe place, unless you know you will need it that day. If you have or can get a waterproof, fireproof safe, that is the ideal place to store it. It’s a good idea to keep all your sensitive or vital documents in a protected safe. However, scammers don’t need your physical card to do irreversible damage. Always be cautious when giving out your SSN. Scammers will often call, email, or physically mail you pretending to be someone from your bank or a government office. They try to gain your trust and get you to hand over your SSN, bank account information, and other personal data. Make sure that you have verified the identity of anyone asking for your personal information, and don’t give out your SSN unless absolutely necessary. It’s also important to shred or destroy any documents that contain personal, sensitive data, rather than just throwing them in the trash.

How we can help

If your Social Security card has been stolen, we can help you get a replacement. You’re probably already overwhelmed and frustrated dealing with the bank, the SSA, the police, and the credit monitoring service. The last thing you want to do is make more calls, fill out more paperwork, and stand in line at another government office. That’s why we developed a streamlined system to eliminate all of that hassle. We created a short, simple questionnaire that you can fill out, then sit back and wait for your new Social Security card to come straight to your home. We take care of all the paperwork and make sure you have everything you need to get your card as fast as possible, with no delays. Your application will be accepted the first time, and you won’t even have to leave your house. If you need to replace a stolen or lost Social Security card, click here (https://www.ssnsimple.com/) to get started and get your new card on its way to your mailbox today.