What happens if your social security card is lost or stolen? You might want to replace it while some people may not replace it. According to the laws governing social security cards, it might be enough to know your card number. Other times, you will be needed to show the card to be served. If you can cram your social security number the better because, the more you carry the card around, the higher the possibilities of losing it, putting you at risk of being accused of identity theft.
Protecting your card against theft is essential. You do not want people to use your card and later be accused of transaction you did not make. Below are steps that will help you in protecting your social security card against theft:
- Placing a fraud alert is the first things you should do. This will prevent fraudsters from using your number to open accounts or access your bank account. Placing a fraud alert is free countrywide. There is a free toll number open to all citizens for such issues. After you have placed the alert, you can as well request for a free credit report.
- Go through the credit report and check if there are transactions you did not make or if there are any credit accounts you did not open.
- If you realize any illegal accounts close them immediately
- Report your case to the nearest police departments. They will use their investigators to look at the matter.
- Report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission.
- You are required to go through the above five steps before you are forgiven of any charges against you due to identity theft. Commit to going through all of them.
Replacing Your Card
Replacing your social security card is free of charge and there are different social security card replacement options. Do not fall to the trap of any scammers offering to renew your card at a small fee. You can replace your card or that of your child, but only three times a year and ten times in your lifetime.
Requirements
- Fill in Form SS-5- Application for social security card.
- Produce a document that proves your identification details and a recent photo to prove identity
- Prove your citizenship and if you are not a U.S citizen present your lawful noncitizen status.