What to Do If Your Social Security Number Is Stolen
A blog post by Cyber Search.
Immediate Steps to Take
Discovering that your Social Security Number (SSN) has been stolen can be a daunting experience. Your SSN is a key piece of personal information that can be used for identity theft, so it's essential to act quickly. The first step is to contact the relevant authorities, such as the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), to report the theft. You should also consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus; this makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
Monitoring and Protection
After the initial alerts, it's crucial to monitor your credit reports and accounts for any unusual activity. You might also want to consider subscribing to a credit monitoring service. While you keep an eye on your financial accounts, remember to check other aspects of your identity that could be compromised. Services like Cyber Search can help you track down whether your personal information is being misused online. By doing a simple name or social media search, you can see if accounts have been set up illicitly in your name, ensuring you don't miss any critical misuse of your personal information.
Long-term Considerations
Cleaning up after identity theft is a long process. Consider filing a report with your local police department, and obtain an Identity Theft Report from the FTC. Additionally, if you suspect your tax information could be affected, contact the IRS. It may be wise to change passwords and update security on your existing accounts. Although services like Cyber Search are not intended for credit screening or evaluating potential tenants or employees, they can be used to routinely check if your name, address, or phone number pop up in unexpected places, helping you stay one step ahead of identity thieves.