If you discover your Social Security number (SSN) has been stolen, you must act immediately. Quick action will prevent identity theft and limit financial damage.
This 2025 guide provides urgent steps, FAQ answers, and key resources to help you secure your identity. If you aren’t sure what to do when your Social Security number is stolen, follow this checklist to regain your peace of mind.
Step-by-Step Actions
Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit
The moment you suspect theft, you must contact a major credit bureau. The 3 major credit bureaus are Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. You only need to contact one. By law, the one you contact must notify the other two.
A fraud alert costs nothing and warns potential creditors that they must verify your identity before granting new credit in your name. A standard initial fraud alert lasts for one year.
Freeze Your Credit Report
For maximum protection, experts recommend a credit freeze (also known as a security freeze). While a fraud alert makes it harder for thieves to open accounts, a freeze locks your credit report entirely. This prevents lenders from accessing your credit report to issue new credit until you actively unfreeze it.
You must request a freeze separately at each bureau’s website. Follow the links below to do this:
Get and Review Your Credit Reports
Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to get free copies of your credit reports. In 2025, you are still entitled to free weekly reports from all three bureaus.
Within these reports, you should scan for unfamiliar accounts, credit inquiries you didn’t make, or addresses you’ve never lived at. Keep detailed notes of any errors you find; you will need these for disputes. Specific details are crucial.
Report Identity Theft to the FTC
File an official report at IdentityTheft.gov. This is the most critical step when determining what to do if your SSN is stolen, as it generates two essential tools for you:
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A Personal Recovery Plan:
The FTC provides a custom checklist and pre-filled letters you can send to creditors to dispute fraudulent charges.
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Your Identity Theft Report:
This official affidavit proves to the police, banks, and credit bureaus that you are a victim. Download and save this immediately.
Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA)
If you suspect your SSN is being used to claim benefits or work illegally, you must alert the SSA. To do this, you can visit your local SSA office or report online at the SSA Fraud Hotline. You can also call the fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271.
Note: The SSA cannot fix your credit report. Their role is to protect your government benefits and earnings record.
File a Police Report
Go to your local police station to file a report. Bring your FTC Identity Theft Report, a government-issued ID, and proof of your address. Why do this? A police report serves as a sworn statement that you are a victim. It is often required by insurance companies and can help clear your name if the thief uses your SSN during an arrest or traffic stop.
Report Tax Problems to the IRS
If someone uses your SSN to file a tax return before you do, the IRS will reject your legitimate filing. If you received a suspicious IRS notice: Do not file forms yet. Call the number on the notice immediately to verify if it is real.
If your e-filed return was rejected: File IRS Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit)
Notify Financial Institutions and Insurers
Contact every institution where you hold an account, including:
- Banks and credit card issuers
- Mortgage and auto lenders
- Health, auto, and home insurance providers
- Retirement and investment accounts
Dispute fraudulent charges immediately, close unauthorized accounts, and request written confirmation that you are not liable for the fraudulent debt.
Monitor Your Accounts and Renew Alerts
Set up text or email alerts for every transaction on your bank and credit card accounts. Consider signing up for ongoing identity monitoring services that scan the dark web for your personal information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a new Social Security number?
You can only get a new SSN in rare cases. The SSA may issue a new SSN if you can prove that you are facing ongoing harm, abuse, or danger due to the theft. However, getting a new number is a drastic step; it effectively “resets” your credit history, which can make it difficult to get loans or housing for years.
What if my info was used for employment or government benefits?
If you receive a W-2 for a job you never worked, or a notice about unemployment benefits you didn’t apply for, the thief is likely using your SSN for income. Contact the relevant agencies (such as the state unemployment office or the SSA) immediately to report the fraud.
Do I need a lawyer?
Many cases of identity theft can be resolved by following the steps above. However, you may need a lawyer if:
- Creditors refuse to remove fraudulent debt from your name.
- Background checks show criminal records that belong to the thief.
- You are being sued for debts you did not incur.
- You feel overwhelmed by the legal complexity of the situation.
A knowledgeable consumer rights attorney can enforce your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Zimmerman Law Offices offers free case evaluations and has deep expertise in Illinois consumer protection law.
Preventative Tips to Protect Your Future
Resolving identity theft is a marathon rather than a sprint, but preventing a recurrence is just as important as fixing the current damage. Because your Social Security number cannot easily be changed, your best strategy moving forward is to harden your digital defenses to make it nearly impossible for thieves to strike again.
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Shred Sensitive Documents:
Never throw mail containing your SSN, account numbers, or medical information directly into the trash where “dumpster divers” can find it. Invest in a cross-cut shredder to destroy these documents before disposal.
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Enable Strong Authentication:
Passwords alone are often not enough to stop sophisticated hackers. Use strong, unique passwords for every login and enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on all financial accounts so a thief needs your phone to log in.
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Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Banking:
Coffee shops and airports often host unsecured networks that allow hackers to intercept data mid-transmission. Avoid accessing sensitive bank or tax accounts over public Wi-Fi networks; use your cellular data or a VPN instead.
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Remove Your Info from Data Brokers:
Your personal information is often legally traded on public databases that thieves use to verify your identity. Consider using privacy services (like DeleteMe or Optery) that automatically scan for and remove your personal info from these public data broker sites.
Adopting these habits requires a small shift in your daily routine, but they are the most effective way to starve identity thieves of the access they need. By staying vigilant and treating your personal data like valuable currency, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to fraud in the future.
Key Resources & Links
| Resource | Purpose |
| IdentityTheft.gov | File FTC report & get a recovery plan |
| AnnualCreditReport.com | Get free weekly credit reports |
| SSA Fraud Hotline | Report SSN fraud (1-800-269-0271) |
| IRS Form 14039 | Report tax identity theft |
| Experian, Equifax, TransUnion | Freeze your credit |
