What Happens If I Lose My Social Security Card?

Losing your social security card can be a terrifying experience. It has so many of your personal details, which malicious actors can use for identity theft purposes. You may be anxious about whether it’s stolen or used by someone to steal your sensitive and confidential information. Either way, there’s no need to panic because this guide lays down the ultimate information that will help you regarding what to do in case your social security card gets lost or stolen.

This guide will also offer tips and strategies to keep your social security card and prevent it from getting compromised. You will also understand the risks and dangers of your social security card being out there for someone to exploit and how to protect yourself in such situations. So, without further ado, let’s begin to uncover what to do when you lose your social security card and what steps you can take to protect it.

Why Should You Keep Your SSN Locked?

In this day and age, identity theft has been at an all-time high. Here are some alarming statistics about identity theft that should keep you on your toes and ensure that you keep your social security card safe and secure:

• 8.6 million U.K. citizens use fraudulent or stolen identities as of 2023.
• By January 2023, 30% of adults globally were affected by phishing scams.
• The identity theft protection services market is expected to reach $28 billion by 2029.
• As of the beginning of 2024, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has received 5.7 million total fraud and identity threat reports, of which 1.4 million were identity theft cases.

Here are a couple of reasons why you need to keep your Social Security Number locked:

• Your SSNs are a crucial target for criminals who want to open credit accounts, take loans, and even file fraudulent tax returns. When you freeze or lock your social security number, it makes it challenging for criminals to misuse your data.
• When you lock your SSN, you can gain control over your credit report, preventing unauthorized personnel from doing credit checks. This is essential when you’re not actively applying for loans or credit.
• Malicious actors can open bank accounts and credit cards without your knowledge or consent if your social security number is unblocked. Keeping it locked prevents criminals from making unauthorized transactions under your name.
• Your social security number can also be used to access different services, such as health benefits or government benefits. Keeping it locked prevents unauthorized individuals from gaining unauthorized access to your sensitive and confidential data.

What Happens If My Social Security Card Gets Stolen?

If criminals have stolen your social security card, they can apply for credit in your name, including credit cards, new auto loans, student loans, and personal loans. Fraudulent lines of credit can impact your finances and sink your credit scores, and the process to reverse all of the damages can be complex. The good news is that you can protect yourself against credit fraud with a credit freeze, and this prevents creditors from accessing your credit reports and opening new credit accounts.

If an identity thief tries to apply for a new credit card under your name, the credit card issuer cannot see your credit reports, which can lead them to deny the application altogether. Security freezes are free, have no effect on your credit scores, and can be lifted and replaced at absolutely any time.

Suppose you’re choosing to put a freeze on your credit reports. In that case, you will have to file all of them separately with the three major consumer reporting agencies: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. You can easily place a security freeze on your Equifax credit report online by creating a myEquifax account. Once the security freeze takes place, you can verify its status through your myEquifax account.

In Which Specific Situations Do You Need To Keep Your Social Security Number Locked?

It would help to keep your SSN locked in specific situations and circumstances. Some of these situations include:

• If your information was compromised due to a data breach, it’s best to lock your SSN. If sensitive information, such as an SSN account, has been compromised, stolen, or publicized, it would be the right time to lock your SSN.
• Thieves may also have stolen your mail, hoping to find your sensitive and confidential details, such as your SSN and other personal information. If you notice that you haven’t received your bills and other important emails, you must lock your SSN.
• If you lose your wallet, which contains your social security card, you need to lock your SSN immediately. If your social security card gets replaced, don’t carry it around.
• Suppose you receive random notifications about your employment status or other financial updates entirely unfamiliar to you. In that case, someone likely stole your SSN and is impersonating you.
• If your bank accounts have been compromised, criminals can use your SSN from the bank account that has your SSN to access linked accounts like credit cards and loans and also use your SSN for verification.

How To Lock Your Social Security Number?

Locking your social security number can protect you from financial fraud and identity theft. A locked social security number makes it harder for malicious actors to steal identities and fraudulent transactions under your name. You may be scared and worried regarding what happens when you lose your social security card, but don’t fret. Locking it is the perfect solution, and there are a couple of ways that you can do this:

1) Contact The Social Security Administration

One of the first steps you need to take to lock your social security number is to contact the Social Security Administration. If you know your social security information has been stolen or compromised, you can request that they block electronic access. You can contact their national 800 number (Toll-Free at 1-800-772-1213 or their TTY number at 1-800-325-0778). Once requested, the automated telephone and electronic access to your social security records get blocked.

No one, including you, can access or see the changes regarding your sensitive and confidential information online or through SSA’s automated telephone service. If you requested that they block access to your records and later change your mind, you can contact them and ask them to have the blocks removed. You will then have to prove and verify your identity when you call.

2) Apply For Self Lock On E-Verify

You can also apply for a self-lock on E-Verify. It is a government service that allows employers and companies to verify the work eligibility of potential candidates. It would help if you created a self-lock with E-Verify to prevent someone from applying for a job with your social security number. Here’s how you can do it:

1. First, you will need to create an account on E-Verify.
2. Then select the Self Lock option.
3. Set three security questions and their answers. Keep your answers safe and secure so you can easily log in and unlock your social security number later.
4. Once your social security number is locked, it will not appear on the E-Verify searches. If you know that the company will confirm your employment status, you can unlock your SSN until they’ve verified your identity.

3) Contact Essential Credit Reporting Agencies

Opting for a credit freeze or lock is also recommended as an extra precautionary step. This means freezing your social security number, which can prevent criminals from opening new accounts under your name. Here’s how you can contact all the major credit reporting agencies to request credit locks:

• Equifax: Call 1-800-349-9960 and request to freeze online.
• Experian: Create your online account and then freeze your credit online.
• TransUnion: Call 1-888-909-8872 or request a freeze online.

Contact Companies Where Fraud Occurred & File Dispute With Nationwide CRAs

Once you’ve received a paper copy of your identity theft report from the Federal Trade Commission, you can correct any criminal activity, including all the closing accounts opened under your name. You can also freeze credit accounts with any charges you didn’t make and then file a dispute with the CRA that has reported the information.

Practical Tips To Protect Your Social Security Cards

Now that you’re aware of the dangers of your SSN getting exposed, it’s time to look at the most effective ways to protect your social security card. Here’s how to protect your social security card:

1) Limit Sharing SSN

One way to protect your social security number is to provide it when necessary. Some organizations may request it from you, but it’s not always required. Also, always be sure not to share your SSN over the phone, email, or through insecure websites unless you’re sure and have information about the recipient’s legitimacy.

2) Don’t Carry Your Social Security Card With You

There may be situations where you’ll have to show your SSN to someone, but if you’re carrying your card with you, then it’s most likely to get lost or stolen. As a rule of thumb, avoid carrying your social security card. Only take it with you unless necessary, and keep it in a safe place at home, such as a safety box. If your wallet has your social security card and gets lost or stolen, it will make you vulnerable to identity theft if a criminal gets their hands on it.

3) Use Strong Passwords For Your Online Accounts

Use strong passwords for all your accounts and different passwords for all your online accounts. When choosing a strong password, ensure it has an uppercase letter, a lowercase letter, special characters, and numbers. Never use your social security number as your password, and never include the last digits of your social security number for your PIN, either.

4) Monitor Your Bank Accounts Frequently

Check your bank accounts, credit card statements, and credit reports frequently for suspicious activities. At AnnualCreditReport.com, you can get free annual credit reports from the major credit bureaus, such as Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

5) Be Cautious Of Phishing Scams

Always be cautious of Phishing scams, as they may require your SSN and other personal data. These fraudsters may contact you and pretend to represent legitimate companies like the Social Security Administration and government agencies like the IRS. Learn to detect and pinpoint the exact telltale signs of a phishing scam to prevent your sensitive data and SSN from getting compromised.

6) Opt For Identity Theft Protection Services

Another way to protect your social security card is to use identity theft protection services. These services can monitor your SSN and alert you if they detect malicious or suspicious activities. They also provide additional tools like dark web monitoring and insurance against identity theft. Some of the best identity theft protection services can reimburse you for any financial losses if your SSN was compromised and you suffered from identity theft.

How Can I Protect Myself If I Lose My Social Security Card?

So how can you report a stolen social security card, and what steps can you take immediately upon realizing your social security card is compromised? Keep reading as we’ll explain what other steps you need to take to rectify the situation of your social security card getting lost or stolen:

1) Place A Fraud Alert & Security Freeze On Your Credit Reports

When you place a fraud alert, lenders and creditors are encouraged to take additional steps and measures to verify your identity, like contacting you by phone, before they extend new credit. Fraud alerts last for one year and can be renewed. Fraud alerts are free, and you can contact renowned credit reporting agencies like Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. Security freezes can also help prevent access to your credit reports and open new credit accounts.

2) File A Police Report & Contact The IRS

You must also file a police report or submit an Identity Theft Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This will be useful if someone uses your social security number to commit fraud, providing a legal record of the theft. If you find that your identity has already been used, you also need to contact the Social Security Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271. You can also call the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at  (800) 908-4490 to report the identity theft and help prevent someone from submitting the tax return under your name.

3) Request For A Social Security Card Replacement From The Social Security Administration

You may have the lingering thought, “How can I recover my lost SSN card?” but there is a solution so you can put your worries to the side. The Social Security Administration allows for free card replacements. However, you are limited to three per year or ten throughout your lifetime. You can create a Social Security account for a card replacement if you meet the following conditions:

• You are a U.S. citizen above the age of 18.
• You’re not requesting a name change or other changes on your card.
• You have a driver’s license and state identification card from a participating state.

If you’re not in a participating state and can’t request a card replacement online, you must apply at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide some documents that prove your identity and age. You will also need to print an application, fill it out, and then take the application form and documents to the office. Your new card will then be mailed to you.

What If I Can’t Apply For A Social Security Card Online?

If you can’t complete your application online using mySocialSecurity, you must provide all required documents in person. You will have to provide different documents depending on your citizenship and the type of card that you’re requesting. If you don’t start an application online, you will be required to complete a paper application for a Social Security card (Form SS-5). Then you must bring all of these required documents to a local Social Security office or Card Center. To save time, you can download, complete, and print the paper application SS-5 form before you arrive.

Can You Get A Social Security Card on The Same Day?

The Social Security Administration does not issue new Social Security cards on the same day. Whether you’re applying online or in person, the SSA needs time to verify your documents and process your request. The standard processing time can take up to fourteen business days from your application’s approval. While this waiting period may be an inconvenience, ensuring the accuracy and security of all your information is essential. If you require your social security number for urgent matters, you can use a temporary verification letter from the SSA, which can serve as temporary proof as you wait for your actual card.

Wrapping Up

Although losing your Social Security Card can be a stressful experience, you can protect your card and sensitive data by following a few simple steps. You can’t be completely immune to identity theft, but by implementing the best security practices, you can protect your SSN and prevent your sensitive and confidential details from getting compromised.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)