The Social Security Administration (SSA) states that identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. A stolen Social Security card is a valuable asset to criminals. It provides useful information for committing financial crimes. It also acts as an identifying document for thieves who wish to establish a new identity. Reporting stolen cards to the proper agencies and authorities can stop the illicit use.
Definition
A Social Security number is a nine digit number issued by the United States government to citizens and immigrants. The Federal Citizen Information Center explains that a Social Security card is needed to get employment and receive certain government services, including Social Security retirement or disability payments. Lenders, banks and certain other companies use the number for credit applications and other purposes. The government issues an official card with a person's name and Social Security number.
Risk
Social Security cards are often stolen as part of a purse or wallet theft. The criminal may also get other identifying documents, including the person's drivers license and credit cards, to use together for identity theft. The SSA states that numbers are also stolen from documents such as bank statements or pre-approved credit offers that are thrown in the trash without being shredded. A Social Security number is valuable when combined with a name, address and other information because the thief can apply for new loans, credit cards, utility accounts and other financial obligations in the victim's name, the SSA warns.
Process
The SSA explains that it does not take reports about stolen cards, although it accepts replacement requests. It recommends filing complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center if the thief may be using the stolen card illegally. Consumers whose cards have been stolen should closely watch their credit reports for unrecognized accounts. The FTC explains that fraud victims are entitled to free reports, and all consumers can get free copies annually through AnnualCreditReport.com.
Considerations
A Social Security card does not necessarily need to be replaced for people who have memorized their Social Security numbers, according to the SSA. They can simply provide their number as needed unless they wish to get a new card for their records.
Limitation
The SSA states that people are limited to to no more than three replacement cards in one year, and they cannot get more than seven in a lifetime. This includes replacements for stolen cards but not for requests because of name or citizenship status changes.
Solution
Consumers can sometimes change their Social Security numbers in extreme circumstances, the Consumerist consumer advocate website explains. They must first take all possible steps to resolve the problems that caused misuse of the number. If their efforts are not successful and they are still being harmed, they must call or visit the local Social Security office to request the change.
