What to do if your Social Security card is lost or stolen
Losing one’s Social Security card is among the most devastating consequences of losing any key document or item. However, it is not the end of the world if you misplace or have this paper stolen. One can do a variety of things to try to regain it. Unlike a driver’s license or passport, the Social Security card is not required at all times. Knowing your Social Security number is crucial, but if you ever lose or have your card stolen, you can apply for a replacement card and have the old one cancelled. Today, many con artists utilize fake identification to trick unsuspecting victims.
You don’t want the name on your replacement Social Security card to be used by criminals to steal from or extort innocent individuals. Criminals can then use your identity to commit identity theft, get loans, and open credit card accounts in your name. This may also offer attackers unfettered access to your credit card or bank accounts online. If they do, they can use your money to buy whatever they want, whether it’s electronics, meals at fancy restaurants, hotel rooms, or anything else. Time is of the essence if you don’t want what’s left of your identity taken.
What to do if you misplace your Social Security card
If you ever misplace or have your Social Security card stolen, replacing it is a straightforward process. The first step is to file a fraud alert with each of the three major U.S. credit reporting companies. There are three major credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. These credit reporting agencies already take precautions to protect your privacy, but identity thieves can always find a way to bypass these safeguards. In addition to notifying the IRA and the FTC, you should obtain your free credit reports, evaluate your other financial accounts, set up passwords, place a freeze on your credit, and report your stolen Social Security card. If you’ve followed these instructions, your private data should be safe. Remembering your card number is more vital than having the card itself, as we’ve already discussed.