Lost social security card more or less means loss of identity. It is to your benefit to know what to do

Lost Social Security Card

immediately you realize that someone has stolen your social security card or that you have misplaced it. If you hesitate, then you might become just a number added to the statistics of identity theft victims. If you do not take measures immediately and file a complaint with the authorities, and alert your creditors, then you will be in for the fraud of a lifetime if your social security card was stolen. Luckily, it is easy to file a fast complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. You can call the commission on 1-877-438-4338 or 1-877-ID-THEFT. Do this as soon as you realize that your social security card is missing.

A lost social security card is enough cause for sleepless nights until you make sure that you are well protected against identity theft and   fraud. Reporting to the federal trade commission is just one of the things that you should do. Report also to the Internal Revenue Service Identity Prootection Unit so that they can protect your social security number that is attached to tax return. Their number should be easy to find in the telephone directory or their official website. It is 1-800-908-4490.

 

The third place to report the loss of your social security card is the Internet Crime Complaint Center. You can just make this report online. The sooner you do it the better because you never know when the person who stole your card may make a move on the internet in your number and name. Your lost social security card is a matter of great concern because someone could apply for credit cards in your name and then go ahead to make hefty purchases in your name.

Reporting alone is not enough, but there is more that you should do. For example, make sure that you keep a keen eye on your bank accounts so that if there is some transaction that you do not understand, you can report that immediately to the bank. It is also important to report to the banks that you have lost your social security card. The bank can freeze your accounts until you get a new card. If you see anything untoward in the credit card statements, it is important to contact your creditors immediately so that they too can freeze your credit accounts until you solve the issue. This is a good way of making sure that you do not lose money.

Of course, life does not have to stop due to a lost social security card. Therefore, you have to think of a replacement. You are allowed to replace your social security card but there are a number of times that you may. For example, you can only replace it thrice in a year and ten times only in a lifetime. If you are still within limits, then you have to contact your local social security administration and fill out an application form for a replacement card. Before you get your replacement social security card and number, please freeze all your accounts because most times, you are only required to give a social security number. That is why fraudsters and identity thieves find it so easy to use other people’s social security cards and evade arrest