Identity Theft Replaces Social Security Number

The term “Identity theft” was invented in 1964. From that time onwards, the term is associated the theft of one’s personal information such as a person’s date of birth, credit card number, social security number, fingerprints, password, and many more information. They are used to get an access to a person’s financial strength. Let us see does Identity Theft replaces social security number or not in this article.

Identity Theft Replaces Social Security Number

Identity Theft Replaces Social Security Number

A social security number or SSN consists of nine digits given to the people of the U.S. This number is essential for getting jobs, for the benefits regarding social security, and to get some government service. The first three digits are Area numbers, the second two digits are group numbers and the last four digits are serial numbers. Identity theft is one of those crimes in America that is growing very fast.

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But changing of Social Security Number is not an easy task. People suffering from domestic violence or facing any other type of harassment can apply for a change of SSN. But in the matter of identity theft, one has to show that their number is being used in unethical manner to commit some financial loss,the loss can lead to the exhaustion of money and the way outs to solve this issue are closed only then Social Security can consider changing of this particular number.

How Identity Theft Can Take Place?

Identity theft can be variously occurred by thieves. They can swindle one’s personal information by :

  •  Stealing the wallets, purses, and mail associated with the bank and credit card, new checks, and tax-related information.
  • The personal information, that the thieves can grab from unsecured online sites, business records, or any information at home.
  •  By Frisking the trash associated to the business or junk that are related to the disclosure of personal information.
  • The thief can buy personal information from the sources inside, such as by paying the storekeeper to gather information about that particular person that is written in the store application form.

Preventive Measures to be taken:

  1. The SSN is best to avoid providing for any business-related or other purposes. One can offer their driver’s license instead of giving their number. Other options such as passport, proof of current and previous address, and student id must be kept available.
  1. Even if any organization asks for the number, one must ask the necessity behind this. One must ensure that the purpose of providing the SSN is authentic. If any loss happens, whether the organizer will repay the amount, with whom these confidential things are to be shared, all the information must be checked, before the agreement.
  1. The SSN should not be linked with the phone, laptop, or any other devices. It must be ensured that the Social Security Card will not be carried with oneself.
  1. Junk documents and emails are marked as the primary reasons for malpractices. Instead of throwing papers containing SSNs, one must ensure that the document paper must be thrashed.
  1. SSNs should not be used as passwords. The password file can be copied by the thieves.
  1. The social security number should not be sent through message or email as the messages can be blocked by a third party that can prevent sending the message to the destination. It’s best to provide the number via phone.

What to do if the Theft Happened?

Social Security can’t fix the problems related to the leakage of SSN or other personal information. But one can opt for other options such as:

  • By visiting IdentityTheft.gov to complain about the issues and to find a solution regarding the issues. The site can guide one to go through the recovery processes. 
  • Internal Revenue Service can also be contacted if any tax-related fraud happened. If the tax-related refund is already claimed by the thief, the IRS might think that it has been done by the honest one. So its best to inform the Service.
  • Also by complaining at www.ic3.gov. The organization can prevent cybercrime by using convenient options.

Changing SSN Number :

After following all the steps if someone fails to fix the problems and finds out that someone is misusing their SSN and they are still using it, the Authority may decide to provide a new number to the respected person. But the number cannot be given only by losing the card or if it is stolen. One must prove their age, identity, U.S citizenship, or immigration certificates. One must show the Authority the proof of the problems they are facing. But it must be kept in mind that a new number only can’t solve the issues. The Govt. agencies already have the records under the previous card. Not only that the basic personal information like names and addresses also can’t be changed. So getting a new number will not solve the problem.

Conclusion 

This kind of task can only be done by some heinous people. One must be careful regarding the use and application of SSNs. By following some simple instructions one can avoid the disclosure of personal information.

Identity Theft Replaces Social Security Number

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