What To Do If You Lose Your Social Security Card
Our financial health is a close second to our physical and mental health. However, it’s a matter of one begetting the other in many situations. Take identity theft for example. That’s a financial issue that creates significant stress, which can have serious repercussions on your physical and mental well-being.
If you’re trying to choose a finance-related course to improve your financial health, you may want to consider options that cover identity theft prevention. You’ll learn about the steps people should take to protect their personal information in our digital world — a problem that increases by the day.
One piece of personal information that you have to guard like Fort Knox is your social security card. The concept of social security cards with unique social security numbers for each person was conceived in 1936. It’s now the most commonly used numbering and identification system in the U.S. If someone gets a hold of your social security card it’s all the information they need to assume your identity for their own financial gain.
Keep reading to find out what to do if you lose your social security card, how to get a social security card replacement and how to protect your identity.
Steps to Take After Losing Your Social Security Card
Protecting yourself from identity theft actually starts from the time you are born when you’re issued a social security card. Most people’s parents keep their social security card under lock and key until they reach adulthood. At that point, it usually gets filed away in a cabinet or put in a fireproof safe deposit box.
But even if you keep your social security card in a secure place there’s always a chance it will go missing.
- The first thing you need to do is report your social security card is missing with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- Next you’ll need to apply for a new social security card.
- Fill out the social security card application.
- To complete the form you’ll need original documents that prove your U.S. citizenship, age and identity. Typically a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport and/or U.S. hospital record of your birth is needed.
- You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card.
- Take the application to your local social security office.
- If you have a strong feeling that your social security card was stolen visit IndentityTheft.gov to file a report.
How to Protect Your Finances If You Lose Your Social Security Card
Even if you report your card missing and start the process of receiving a replacement, your original social security card is still floating around out there. You may not be able to keep that card out of the wrong hands, but you can prevent their from wreaking havoc with your information.
After letting the SSA know about the missing social security card let your financial institutions know to be on high alert. Here are key steps to take:
· Request that each credit bureau put an initial security alert on your credit report. An initial security alert is free to use and lasts for 90 days. The alert tells creditors you make be the victim of identity theft.
· Check your credit report. Look for any recent activity that’s out of place. If you do find something that you didn’t approve or apply for send the credit bureaus a fraud report.
· Consider putting a credit freeze on your credit report. This restricts access and makes it difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts.
· Let your credit card companies know that your social security card is missing and check for out of place activity.
· Tell your bank about the security breach in case someone else tries to access your accounts.
· Alert the IRS. Identity thieves are now stealing personal information to file fake tax returns and get a refund.
· Review your Social Security Statement. The statement outlines the annual earnings connected to your social security number and is available online. If your income is higher than it should be someone else may be using your social security number for employment purposes.
Losing your social security card is stressful to say the least. Taking action to alert the right institutions and protect your finances gives you some control over the situation.
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the above article. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? What are you still working on accepting?
That we have to all appreciate the little things and to not take anything for granted.
2. What have you learn to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? What are you still working on to appreciate within yourself and/or life?
I’m blessed to have loving family and friends in my life.
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? And what makes YOU most proud? Any goals and dreams that you still have?
Graduating from Arizona State University in 2013
4. We all have imperfections, so we think. The truth–we are all perfectly imperfect. What imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
Nobody’s perfect and it’s been hard to accept it. I’ve learned to embrace my curly hair, my curves and my quirky personality.
5. “I Love My…” is an outlet for you to express and appreciate all the positive traits that make you…well… YOU! Sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (we assure you!) Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I love my unwavering intensity. Everything I do is 100 percent.
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