You received a receipt for a loan that you never applied for or you have had tax evasion problems with it Internal Tax Service (IRSS), when you have always been a correct person. These are some of the cases that can arise due to the possibility of the theft of your social security card number.

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the US. An identity theft survey by Debt.com, the personal finance site, showed that identity theft affected 45% in 2022, while which in 2021 was 40%. Most of the victims did not know when it happened to them.

The person who steals your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you and seriously harm you. Therefore, you should not give your number to anyone. The Social Security Administration emphasizes that the number keeps your information confidential and, as an entity, does not give it to anyone except as authorized by law.

If you think you were a victim of identity theft or know someone who is experiencing such a problem, you should contact Social Security to request a statement review and take other steps. Take note.

WHY IS THE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER STOLEN IN THE USA?

You may also want to contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

• Use your Social Security number to file a tax return to get your refund.
• To get a job. (This could get you in trouble with the IRS because it would appear that you are not reporting all of your income on your tax return.)
• Request more bank credit in your name.
• Cyber ​​fraud, among others.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER IS STOLEN?

An identity thief can become a nightmare. If you are a victim of these criminals, here are the steps you should take according to the guidance from the Federal Trade Commission’s State Identity Theft page, if you are dealing with tax-related identity theft:

Step 1: Call the companies where the fraud occurred

• Contact the companies where you know the fraud occurred.
• Call the fraud department. He explains that someone stole her identity.
• Ask that the accounts be closed or frozen. From then on, no one will be able to add new charges without your authorization.
• Change the login names, passwords, and personal identification numbers or PINs you use to access your accounts.

Step 2: Place the fraud alert:

Place your free fraud alert for one year by contacting one of the three credit bureaus. That company will have to tell the other two.

Step 3: Report the identity theft to the FTC

• Complete the form online or call 1-877-438-4338. You must indicate identity theft is by Social Security number and include as many details as you can. You must create an account to track the case or print your report.

NOTE: IdentityTheft.gov will create your report and action plan based on the information you provide. Identity theft reporting proves to businesses that someone stole your identity. It also guarantees you certain rights.

Step 4. File a police report

Go to your local police office with:

• A copy of the FTC Identity Theft Report
• A government-issued photo ID
• Proof of address (mortgage statement, rental agreement, or utility bill)
• Any other proof you have of the theft (bills, IRS notices, etc.)
• File a report for identity theft and that you need to file a report.
• Ask for a copy of the police report. You might need it to complete other steps.

What else do I have to do?

• Go to the IRS: Contact the IRS Identity Protection Unit (www.irs.gov/es/identity-theft-central or 1-800-908-4490).
• cancel services that may have been purchased in your name.
• Replace your Social Security card (Social Security). You must enter this link (only available in English).
• File a complaint with the Crime Complaint Center (IC3), at www.ic3.gov (only available in English). To avoid some cyber fraud.

HOW CAN IDENTITY THIEVES GET MY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER?

According to information from the Social Security Administration, identity thieves obtain your personal information by:

• Stealing wallets, purses, and your correspondence (bank and credit card statements, offers of pre-approved credit, new checks, and tax information).
• Stealing the personal information you provide on unprotected Internet sites, business or personal records at work, and personal information at home.
• Look for personal information in your trash, business trash, and public landfills.
• Purchasing personal information from “inside” sources. For example, an identity thief may pay a store clerk for information about you that appears on an application for goods, services, or credit.
• Impersonate someone who legitimately needs your information, such as employers, landlords, or government agencies, either by phone or by email.

WHAT ARE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS FOR?

Social Security numbers are used to report people’s wages to the US government and to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits. It is essential that each person have her number in order to work, receive Social Security benefits and participate in government programs.