Can You Get a New Social Security Number After Identity Theft

Identity fraud involves more than someone stealing your social security number (SSN). Thieves can really use your SSN for fraudulent purposes.

This includes getting loans and credit cards in your proper noun, opening banking company accounts in your proper noun, and even committing crimes in your name.

Existence a victim of ID fraud can touch on different areas of your life, especially when thieves assault your credit.

Damaged credit makes information technology harder to get your own financing, yous might have to pay a security deposit when setting up utility accounts, and a lower score could cause a spike in your insurance rates.

Clearing your proper noun is possible, simply it's not an overnight fix. So depending on the extent of fraud, you lot might feel it'due south easier to change your SSN and get-go over.

But while a new Social Security number after identity fraud stops misuse of your old number, it might not solve all of your issues.

Is It Possible to Go a New Social Security Number After Identity Fraud?

The brusk respond:

Yep.

The Social Security Assistants (SSA) does allow people to apply for a new SSN. But existence a victim of ID theft or fraud doesn't guarantee blessing.

Requests for a new number are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and the SSA has specific requirements for approving.

However:

Sympathize that you can't get a new number just because you've lost your Social Security carte du jour, or because information technology's been stolen.

Getting a new SSN is very tough

Both incidents can issue in someone using your SSN for fraudulent purposes.

But unless you tin provide show of someone using your number, the SSA won't approve your application.

And:

Even if you can provide bear witness, SSN changes are unremarkably simply granted when the fraud is ongoing, or when it causes significant hardship or legal problems.

In the absence of fraud, the SSA may also approve a number change when a person is attempting to escape an abuser or stalker. A new number makes it harder for the abuser to locate them.

Steps to getting a new SSN

Earlier getting approved for a new number, you must take steps to resolve the state of affairs.

Dispute inaccurate information on your credit report and maybe placing a security freeze on your credit file—more on these options later.
If fraud continues despite your best efforts to undo the impairment, getting a new number might be the only manner to put the nightmare behind you.
At this point, you tin visit a local Social Security office to apply for a new number.
When applying for a number, you lot'll need to provide proof of your identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or immigration condition. Yous'll also need to show proof of ongoing corruption of your SSN.

What Happens If You Modify Your Social Security Number?

If you're able to successfully change your SSN, you might be excited to put the fraud behind you.

Simply while there are advantages to changing your number, in that location'south also a few drawbacks. And the truth is, changing your number might not provide the fresh start yous envisioned.

Yous'll have to update creditors

The skilful news is that once y'all've inverse your SSN, the one-time one is no longer bachelor for misuse. Yous're also no longer able to use the one-time number.

Merely the fact that your proper name is attached to an quondam SSN can be problematic from an administrative standpoint.

Keep in listen that creditors and many organizations have your old SSN on file.

Don't expect the SSA to notify your creditors of the number change. It's your responsibility to contact these companies and update your number. And unfortunately, this isn't something y'all can consummate in a few minutes.

It might accept several hours or days to narrow down creditors and organizations who need your updated Social Security number. Companies and organizations yous may need to contact include:

mortgage provider
personal banks and credit unions
financial advisors
insurance providers (auto, wellness, life, domicile, etc.)
utility companies
jail cell phone provider
employer
school
Department of Motor Vehicles

You'll take to notify the IRS

Most importantly, you have to contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and notify them of your new number before filing a new tax return.

To do and then, visit your local IRS office to request this modify.

You'll demand to bring a copy of your new Social Security card and any official paperwork you receive from the Social Security Assistants every bit additional proof, just in example.

Upon notification of the number change, the IRS will brainstorm using your new Social Security number. The agency will also link your onetime tax records to this new number.

You'll accept to reestablish your credit

Unfortunately:

Changing your Social Security number tin also crusade problems with your credit history.

Your former Social Security number might accept been associated with a lengthy credit history.

Your new Social Security number, on the other hand, isn't associated with a credit file. Yous'll substantially have a blank credit history, and you'll have to reestablish credit under your new number.

If you had first-class credit before the fraud, you might accept qualified for credit with no problem. And you probably qualified for the best interest rates.

With that said:

A bare credit history can be just as damaging as a bad credit history.

With no credit file fastened to your new Social Security number, some lenders may hesitate approving your loan or credit card applications.

Since information technology can have years to reestablish credit, you might be better off keeping your old SSN and so working with the credit reporting agencies to articulate your proper noun. This is worth consideration when fraud doesn't issue in physical danger or legal issues.

Undoing the damage tin exist a slow process.

Only at least you're able to retain your good credit history as the agencies gradually remove fraudulent items from your report.

What If You Can't Change Your Social Security Number?

If you lot tin can't change your Social Security number, or if y'all determine it isn't worth the hassle, hither are a few tips to combat ID fraud:

i. Written report the fraud

Study the theft to local law enforcement immediately.

Y'all'll receive a copy of the police report, which credit reporting agencies may ask for when disputing fraudulent activity.

File an online identity theft affidavit with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC will provide additional information on how to proceed.

Some thieves volition even fill out a fraudulent alter-of-address with the post office.

If you believe you're a victim of mail fraud, report possible fraud to the Postal Inspection Service.

2. Request a credit freeze

A credit freeze prevents someone from opening new accounts in your proper noun past stopping creditors from accessing your file.

If creditors tin't view your credit report, they're not likely to approve a credit awarding in your proper name.

Credit freezes differ from a fraud alert. An alert notifies creditors of the possibility of identity theft. It doesn't foreclose someone from opening a new business relationship. But with an alert in place, creditors will often take extra steps to verify an bidder'southward identity.

Yous need to contact each of the major credit reporting agencies individually to request a freeze. These include TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. Depending on where you live, you may have to pay to freeze and unfreeze your file.

Continue in mind that a credit freeze doesn't stop fraudulent activeness on an existing account. It only prevents the thief from opening new accounts in your name. Therefore, you lot'll still need to dispute accounts you didn't authorize.

3. Dispute all wrong information on credit reports

Gild a copy of your credit written report from all three credit reporting agencies.

Yous can go one free copy of each report annually from AnnualCreditReport.com. Or, contact the agencies individually to request a free written report every 12 months.

Circle all wrong or inaccurate items on your credit report.

Side by side, write a dispute letter explaining why y'all're disputing information on your written report.

Ship a copy of this alphabetic character, along with copies of whatsoever supporting documentation directly to each credit agency past certified mail service.

Supporting documentation can include reports filed with the police or the Federal Trade Committee.

Be specific in your dispute letter. Credit reporting agencies must investigate your merits. They ordinarily answer within thirty days.

4. Contact reporting creditors

You could also contact creditors that provide erroneous information to the credit agencies.

Send a copy of a carve up letter explaining why you're disputing the information. Similarly, include copies of your police report or study filed with the FTC.

A creditor's investigation may bear witness that you're innocent. If so, they must finish reporting the fraudulent action and delete the account from your credit file.

Takeaway

Identity fraud tin be a fourth dimension-consuming, hassle.

Depending on how long you've dealt with fraud, information technology might seem easier to apply for a new Social Security number. But this conclusion comes with a lot of red record, so make certain you empathize the pros and cons.

Whether you choose to go a new Social Security number or continue using your old i, take measures to avoid future theft.

Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet, shred sensitive information, don't share your personal information, and sign up for identity theft monitoring.

Identity theft monitoring is an fantabulous, inexpensive way to prevent future attacks on your identity.

You'll receive an alarm anytime anyone attempts to open a new account in your name. It not but protects your credit, identity, and SSN, but likewise your peace of heed.

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Source: https://www.mybanktracker.com/blog/utilize-my-options/identity-fraud-new-social-security-number-300331