One kind of identity theft not found elsewhere is SSN and identity theft. Here, someone has their Social Security number taken and used improperly. Each and every US citizen and permanent resident is assigned a unique Social Security number (SSN) by the Social Security Administration. Their identity is effectively represented by this number.
Unfortunately, anyone may simply conduct fraud by impersonating someone else if they have their unique identifying details. In Social Security Number Scams, fraudsters take SSNs and use them unlawfully for their own benefit. The victims had significant financial losses. Even when they are able to restore their identity, they still risk permanent harm to their credit score.
Social Security Number Scams
Scammers uses various ways to get you SSN, and that is an important data for a senior. Scammers can threaten you with jail time if you dont give over your Social Security number (SSN) and bank account information over the phone, posing as representatives of the SSA.
Your Social Security number may be obtained by fraudsters through a variety of means, such as data breaches, fraudulent calls, mail theft, or even a stolen wallet or handbag. Once fraudsters have your Social Security number, they may use it for a variety of fraudulent activities, such as creating bank accounts in your name, obtaining your tax return, or even pretending to be you while speaking with law enforcement.
Unfortunately, it’s not always simple to identify Social Security number theft. You won’t know, for instance, unless you attempt to apply for government benefits yourself and are turned down, if scammers obtain government benefits in your name using your compromised SSN.
How to know if someone is using my SSN
Hacking of a SSN can have a huge negative impact on your credit report. You should ascertain as soon as possible whether scammers have your SSN so you can foil their plans. These ways can assist you in figuring out whether someone is using your Social Security number fraudulently:
Review your credit report for fraudulent activity
In order to create new bank accounts, credit cards, and loans in the identities of their victims, fraudsters typically utilize stolen SSNs. You may examine your credit record, among other locations, for evidence of this kind of financial fraud. Americans can get these report via Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. All you have to do is go to AnnualCreditReport.com and get your free credit reports.
Review your Social Security statement
Your Social Security earnings history and benefits are shown in full on your Social Security statement. This page will display if scammers have utilized your Social Security number to get unauthorized work or obtain benefits in your name. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the source of your statement, which you can obtain by mail or your my Social Security account.
Use an SSN monitoring service to alert you about breaches
It takes minutes for identity thieves to create an account in your name and use it to the limit, but it may take up to six months for you to get your credit and accounts back. When you receive immediate notice of questionable behavior, an SSN monitoring service enables you to prevent fraud before it does harm.
Go through your Junk mail
It’s possible that fraudsters won’t notify you until you receive a charge when they register new accounts in your name. Since everyone receives so much junk mail, you can miss clues of identity theft if you’re not paying careful attention to your mail.
Look out for strange calls from debt collectors
Although receiving an unexpected contact from a debt collector might be terrifying, you must not allow pressure lead you to make poor judgments. A call regarding an overdue payment might be a significant red flag for identity theft or it could be the beginnings of a debt collecting scam.
Go through IRS and other government agency notices
Your SSN may have been used by someone else if you get an unexpected letter from the Internal Revenue Service or another government entity. You may be notified if fraudsters use your Social Security number to open a bank account in your name, file a tax return, or obtain fraudulent health insurance.
What to do if hackers have your SSN
- You should file an SSN theft report with the government agencies
- Go and verify your benefit details with the SSA
- File a Social Security fraud report and freeze your credit with credit bureaus
- Examine your credit reports for any new indications of fraud
- Make a contact with any business or organization that uses your SSN.
Jaxon Elias is a writer, poet, and finance expert. He graduated from the Craig School of Business in 2014 and later completed the “Leading with Finance” course from Harvard University Online. Additionally, he has worked as a freelancer for various media houses