It also is used to link to records that contain other sensitive information. Anyone who intentionally uses the social security number of another person to establish a new identity or defraud the government is breaking the law. Consumer relations 7805 hudson rd suite 100 woodbury. Use passwords on all your credit card, bank, and phone accounts. Complete the identity theft report online at the website of the federal trade commission ftc at identitytheft. A signed and completed identity theft report or identity theft fraud and forgery declaration form. Someone gets your personal information and runs up bills in your name. In 1936, following the enactment of the social security act of 1935 p. With a few clicks online, citizens can apply for social security benefits, view their social security statement, or request a new or replacement social security card, for example.
The identity theft repair kit contains a resolution checklist and resolution worksheets. In fact, there are drawbacks to changing your number. For more information about social security numbers and identity theft, see the links below. Identity theft is a common crime, and people fall prey to it every day. The social security administration very rarely allows this. Emailing social security number could open door for hackers. A dishonest person who has your social security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Do this for both personal banking institutes and credit card companies.
With an estimated 10 million individuals being victimized by identity theft each year, preventing. Dont believe anyone who calls and says youll be arrested unless you pay for taxes or debt even if they have part or all of your social security number, or they say theyre from the irs. However, everyone with a social security number is potentially vulnerable to having his or her identity stolen. How can you protect yourself against identity theft someone using your name to open accounts, cash checks, etc we may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Formassembly keeps up with the latest protocols to ensure security per the national institute of standards and technology nist, cybersecurity framework. Industrialized by organized cyber criminals, 21st century identity theft is global in its reach and exhaustive in its applications. What are the basics to know about social security benefits. Taxrelated identity theft occurs when someone uses your. You can read more about these and other types of identity theft, including employment identity theft and senior identity theft.
Mar 15, 2021 if your efiled return is rejected because of a duplicate filing under your social security number, or if the irs instructs you to do so, complete irs form 14039, identity theft affidavit pdf. If you do a lot online, you can be vulnerable to identity theft as well. Protect your ssn card and number from loss and identity theft. Keep it in a secure location and only take it with you when you must show the card. Its also imperative to limit access to the childrens personal information to the right. Box if deceased, please provide last known address current city. Include a copy of your ftc identity theft report and proof of your identity, like your name, address, and social security number. May 23, 2016 social security numbers are more susceptible and more valuable than ever, says rob douglas, a security consultant who specializes in identity theft and scams.
If you are applying for an original social security card for a child under age 18, you must show the parents social security numbers unless the parent was never assigned a social security number. Sep 25, 2020 to minimize the amount of information subject to theft, do not carry extra credit cards, your social security card, birth certificate or passport in your wallet or purse, except when needed. When a dishonest person has your social security number, the thief can use it to get other personal information about you. These factors make the social security number valuable to those who commit identity theft, and absolutely crucial to protect from. Understanding the impact of identity theft on november 1, 1999, the commission began collecting identity theft complaints from. Identity theft the crime of identity theft is on the rise. Identity theft how to protect yourself personal taxrelated identity theft all too often in recent years, a taxpayer goes to file an individual income tax return and finds that, unbeknownst to him or her, a return has already been filed on the taxpayers behalf. Identity theft occurs when someone takes or uses another persons personally identifying information such as their name, social security number, drivers license or financial account information.
Identity theft identity theft will be the undoing of the blissful ignorance we have maintained with respect to the misuse of ssns. Social security number ssn, age, salary, and phones numbers. Never keep passwords, pins or your ssn card in your wallet or purse. By and large, social security fraud is a subset of identity theft, a dangerous threat that is growing at a fast pace.
Identity theft victims complaint and affidavit a voluntary form for filing a report with law enforcement, and disputes with credit reporting agencies and creditors about identity theft related problems. By using a variety of methods, criminals steal credit card numbers, drivers license numbers, social security numbers, atm cards, telephone calling cards and other key pieces of individuals identities. To verify the accuracy of the earnings reported on your ssn or to request a copy of your social security statement, you may call ssa at 80077212. It could result in losing your credit history, your academic records, and your. Protecting social security numbers from identity theft. For some victims of identity theft, a new number actually creates new problems. Well, one of the institutional differences i noticed with my current move was the widespread use of ssns as primary keys within university administration, municipal and state government, and a good percentage of. Also see the social security administrations booklet identity theft and your social security number, at. When planning for retirement, one detail to consider is the tax treatment of your income in retirement. Proceed with caution in your online activities by learning how to pr. With this added convenience comes an increased risk of identity theft and internet scams. For more information, view the social security administrations identity theft and your social security number.
Your social security card is the most valuable little piece of paper you will ever own. Identity theft information guide department of public safety. If the number is not known and you cannot obtain it, check the unknown box. We dont give your number to anyone, except when authorized by law. Most of the time identity thieves use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Mar 31, 2021 safeguard your social security number from social security identity theft. Prepared statement of the ftc on identity theft and social.
Omb actions needed to strengthen federal efforts to limit identity theft risks by reducing collection, use, and display. Tell them you are a victim of identity theft of your social security number. Identity theft is a perennial crime that has taken on new dimensions in the information age. The checklist will help you keep track of the companies and organizations you should contact if you believe you are a victim of identity theft. And like all valuables, there are thieves trying to get to it. They might steal your name and address, credit card, or bank account numbers, social security number, or medical insurance account numbers. Notify your banking establishments and set fraud alerts. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name.
While we are thankful to the justice department for its hard work in bringing the identity thieves to justice, it does not negate the fact that ov. Digital identity, beyond being a means to enable application single signon, has begun to emerge as a key tool for bringing order out of the chaos. Sep 25, 2020 call the social security administration at 18002690271 18665012101 tty from 10. This summer, the department of justice cracked the biggest case of identity theft in history.
Todays technology allows us to connect around the world, to bank and shop online, and to control our televisions, homes, and cars from our smartphones. However, this is how social security numbers are used in the united states ftc 2004. As an american worker, the way you fund your lifestyle during retirement or during a time when you become disabled and cant work will likely include social security benefit payments. Secure your identity the social security administration ssa, like many government agencies and businesses, continues to expand its electronic services. Social security number privacy act excerpt act 454 of 2004 445. If you have been the victim of identity theft, it could mean someone has used your name to. The money you paid into social security as taxes from yo.
Commissions views on the role of social security numbers ssns in identity theft and options to enhance their protection. If youre thinking about retiring soon or are nearing your 60th birthday, youre probably also starting to wonder more about social security benefits. The federal government and numerous states have passed laws prohibiting identity theft. Tax identity theft when a crook files a tax return in your name and nabs your refund. Identity theft can take many forms and can leave your finances in disarray. Every year more than 60 million americans are affected by identity theft, according to an online survey by the harris poll carried out in 2018. Then, they use the credit cards and dont pay the bills, it damages. Here are a few simple steps to keep yourself immune. By filing this complaint, i understand that the attorney general is not my private attorney, but enforces state consumer protection laws.
Protect social security numbers a social security number is a persons most unique means of identification because it never changes. Your number is confidential the social security administration protects your social security number and keeps your records confidential. You can get a copy by calling 180077212, or online at. One policy option to reduce their prevalence may involve. Social security record, show the date of birth currently shown on your record in item and provide evidence to support the date of birth shown in item 4. Medical identity theft is thus, above all, a qualityofcare issue. Ultimately, the identity thief hopes to obtain personal information about you your social security number, birth name, credit card numbers, or birth date. Identity theft, social security numbers, and the web. The employer identity theft form uses a system called formassembly. Identity theft complaint office of the indiana attorney. Identity theft is a crime in which an impostor obtains key pieces of personal identifying information pii such as social security. Identity theft office of the inspector general, ssa. While there are no guarantees that your identity will not be stolen there are steps you can take to minimize your risk.
Social security fraud hotline po box 17785 baltimore, md 21235. Use the resolution worksheets to document your conversations and any next steps. Someone illegally using your social security number and assuming your identity can cause a lot of problems. July 2017 gao17553 united states government accountability office. Unemployment benefits identity theft texas workforce.
As any victim can attest, identity theft can destroy personal credit and potentially lead to very expensive litigation that may take years, or perhaps decades, to fully correct. Protecting personal information social security administration. Theres a lot to learn and some of the rules can get complex, which can make understandin. Social security number privacy act excerpt act 454 of 2004. Section c name and contact information of identity theft victim required victims last name. Tax identity theft happens when someone uses your social security number to get a tax refund or a job. News, analysis and comment from the financial times, the world. If your cellular phone or long distance calling card has been stolen or if you discover fraudulent charges in your bills, cancel the accounts and open new. This information is critical for successful identity theft.
Taxpayer guide to identity theft internal revenue service. Identity theft is a pernicious crime and controlling it is a critical component of the commissions consumer protection mission. Identity theft is when someone uses your personal or financial information without your permission. With the popularity of the internet for many common activities such as shopping, banking and connecting with friends and family, identity theft has become a serious issue. May 04, 2018 stolen social security numbers and identity theft. Prepared statement of the ftc on identity theft and. They will likely ask you questions about the information you have previously gathered. If i do provide my social security number, i expressly consent to the disclosure of my social security number in accordance with indiana code 411052. Such dual usage of ssns is one of the major reasons for the high incidence of identity theft in the united states solove 2003. Employment networks in social security s ticket to work program. Identity theft occurs when someone illegally obtains your personal information such as your social security number, bank account number or other identification and uses it to open new accounts or initiate transactions. Javelin strategy ran a separate survey in which they revealed.
Audio pdf identity theft and your social security number. Any, and all, public, personal data can be useful to perform id theft and aid in crafting believable spearphishing emails. Identity theft threat and mitigations1 national security agency. It is no longer a oneonone crime dependent upon a lost social security card or a carelessly discarded credit card receipt. Explain which information on your report came from identity theft. Medical identity theft also imposes financial harm and administrative burdens on victims including hospitals, insurers and particularly patients, for whom it is often stressful, complicated, timeconsuming and costly just to obtain copies of their medical records let alone. Identity theft and your social security number identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in america.
Call 1877idtheft 18774384338 to request the ftc identity theft report. Identity theft name fraud white collar crimes impact law. Security alert identity theft affidavit please complete all applicable fields on the form below, making sure to sign and notarize the document prior to submitting it to chex systems, inc. Unemployment benefits identity theft texas workforce commission.
Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information to commit a fraud. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in america. Dont share personal information, like your birthdate, ssn or bank account, just because someone asks for it. By filing this complaint, i understand that the attorney general is not my private attorney. Child identity theft when a thief opens accounts using a childs social security number. Identity theft prevention tips n protect your personal information and release it only when necessary. According to javelin research, for the first time ever, social security numbers 35% were compromised more than credit card numbers 30% in personal data breaches. This act shall be known and may be cited as the social security number privacy act. Taxpayer identification number please provide 9digit social security number current mailing address apartment or suite number and street, or p. What to know about identity theft ftc consumer information. Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information, such as your social security number or bank account information, to commit fraud or other crimes.
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