In today's digital world, scammers are everywhere, lurking in emails, on websites, and even over the phone. They use sneaky tricks called "phishing" to steal your passwords, bank details, and even your precious Social Security Number. These scams can be incredibly hard to spot, leaving you vulnerable to serious consequences.
An identity theft defense attorney will identify this as “phishing”, which masquerades as a message from a trusted entity to make you give up sensitive information.
That's why I've created this blog. I want to help you understand how these scams work, spot the red flags, and protect yourself from the devastating impact of identity theft. Whether it's a fake email from your bank, a too-good-to-be-true offer, or an alarming phone call, I'll teach you how to outsmart the scammers.
Why is phishing for my Social Security Number such a concern?
While stolen credit card numbers are a major issue, they're just the beginning. Credit cards have built-in protections like chargebacks and fraud monitoring. However, if someone steals your Social Security Number (SSN), the consequences are far more severe.
Your SSN: The Key to Your Identity
- Uniqueness: Your SSN is a unique identifier assigned only to you, and typically cannot be changed.
- Access: This number unlocks access to a vast range of personal and government services. A thief with your SSN can potentially:
- Open fraudulent bank accounts in your name
- Apply for loans or credit cards
- File tax returns to claim your refund
- Get medical care using your benefits
The Devastating Impact of SSN Theft
Identity theft involving your SSN is particularly damaging because it allows criminals to impersonate you at a fundamental level. This can lead to:
- Financial ruin: Thieves may drain your accounts, rack up debt, and damage your credit score.
- Legal issues: You could be held responsible for fraudulent activity committed in your name.
- Emotional distress: Dealing with the aftermath of identity theft is time-consuming and emotionally draining.
What can a criminal do with my Social Security Number?
Armed with your SSN and other personal information, fraudsters can wreak havoc on your life. Here are some of the most common types of SSN-related identity theft:
- Financial Fraud:
- Open new bank accounts in your name.
- Apply for loans, credit cards, or lines of credit.
- Make purchases or drain your existing accounts.
- Damage your credit score, making it harder to get future credit.
- Tax Identity Fraud:
- File a fraudulent tax return using your SSN to claim your refund.
- Medical Identity Fraud:
- Obtain medical treatment or prescriptions under your name.
- Drain your health insurance benefits.
- Create false medical records, potentially impacting your future care.
- Criminal Identity Theft:
- Create a new identity using your SSN to evade law enforcement or commit crimes that could be blamed on you.
- Utility Fraud:
- Open new utility accounts (phone, electricity, etc.) in your name, leaving you with unpaid bills.
How to Protect Yourself
- Be vigilant: Guard your SSN carefully. Don't share it unless absolutely necessary.
- Monitor your accounts: Check bank statements, credit reports, and medical benefits statements for suspicious activity.
- Act quickly: If you suspect your SSN has been stolen, immediately:
- Contact the credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax) to place a fraud alert.
- Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission (https://Identitytheft.gov).
- File a report with your local police department.
Important Note: Seniors can be particularly vulnerable to identity theft. If you are a senior or care for one, be extra cautious.
How do I know if my SSN has been stolen?
Unfortunately, there's no single database that tells you if your SSN has been compromised. However, there are key signs to watch out for:
- Social Security: Create a "my Social Security" account (www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount) to review your earnings statement for suspicious activity.
- Credit report: Get your free annual credit report (www.annualcreditreport.com) and look for:
- Accounts you don't recognize
- Inquiries you didn't authorize
- Inaccurate personal information
- Other red flags:
- Bills for services you didn't use
- Debt collection calls for unknown debts
- Denied tax refunds
- Medical bills for procedures you didn't receive
Can I change my SSN if it's been used for fraud?
Yes, but the Social Security Administration (SSA) only grants new SSNs under specific circumstances related to severe identity theft, abuse, or endangerment. You'll need:
- Strong Evidence: Thorough documentation is crucial, including:
- Police reports
- Court documents
- Evidence of ongoing financial or reputational damage due to the fraud
- Professional Help: An identity theft defense attorney can significantly streamline the process, helping you gather evidence and navigate the application with the SSA.
Important: Changing your SSN is a serious step and may not solve all identity theft problems. Consult with a legal professional to understand if it's the right option for you.
What Happens to my old Social Security Number?
An old number is not cancelled. It is used for cross-reference between the new and old number to make sure that people get credit for earnings and activities under both numbers.
The IRS, SSA, DMV, FBI, banks and credit card companies, etc. continue to have an interest in files under the original SSN. If someone does something using your previous number anything done to it will not affect your new number.
SSNs are never cancelled. Never.
Anyone that calls and threatens the cancellation of a SSN number or the seizure of bank accounts due to an expiring SSN is a scammer. You should never be called to verify your SSN to anyone making a call even if it is supposedly from the government.
Can I use a new SSN to clear my credit or employment record?
Your SSN can only be renewed for stringent reasons. This is not one of them. If someone is offering, you the use of an alternate Social Security Number to register and use for your new clean credit record – that is a scam or fraud.
That is a crime with you being an accomplice to the theft of someone else’s Social Security Number. An identity theft defense attorney may also serve as credit repair attorneys, and are superior to credit repair companies that may offer fraudulent or unrealistic claims.
Validity of an SSN is easily done by employers and individuals via https://www.e-verify.gov/. A check like that can only tell if an SSN is valid in the registry, not its records of use.
