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Social Security Number Fraud – What You Need to Know
Posted by Kim on Thursday, September 1st, 2011 at 5:56 pm
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. Take a look at the statistics for 2008 [1]:
- An estimated 11.7 million persons, representing 5% of persons age 16 or older in the United States, experienced at least one attempted or successful incident of identity theft within a two-year period.
- Unauthorized use or attempted use of an existing credit card account, the most prevalent type of identity theft, was experienced by about 6.2 million victims (53% of all victims.)
- About 42% of victims spent one day or less resolving any financial or credit problems related to the identity theft.
- Two in ten victims of identity theft rated the experience as severely distressing.
Social Security Number Fraud
One of the most alarming types of identity theft is Social Security number fraud. In the hands of an unscrupulous person, your Social Security number can be used in a number of ways. A person illegally using your Social Security number will typically assume your identity and wreak havoc on your life.
- Credit card fraud – Once a thief has your SSN, they can open new credit accounts in your name. They use the credit cards and when you don’t pay the bills, the delinquency shows up on your credit report.
- Bank or financing fraud – Imagine a thief opening up an account in your name and then writing bad checks! Or perhaps he or she takes out a loan in your name. The possibilities are endless and devastating.
- Utilities fraud – Here is one you may not think of. With your SSN in hand, a thief can open a new phone, wireless or utility account in your name in order to obtain services. Until you start receiving bills, you may be unaware.
We have only scratched the surface here of the myriad of ways an identity thief can destroy your credit if they get a hold of your SSN. You get the idea!
The Background of Social Security Numbers
Did you know that Social Security numbers were not originally intended as a method of identification? The Social Security Administration created the Social Security number system in 1936. The system was only set up to track worker’s earnings for the purpose of Social Security benefits. Over time the purpose and usage of the Social Security number system has changed dramatically. Social Security numbers are now used for an entire spectrum of purposes not related to Social Security benefits.
Protect Yourself from Fraud
Awareness is half the battle. You need to be aware of how your information can be stolen and how to prevent it from happening. Armed with a little knowledge will go a long way to protect your SSN from identity thieves.
- Shred your documents -Identity thieves are notorious dumpster divers. They can use the paperwork you simply throw out to steal your identity.
- Be cautious with email and phone calls – Identity thieves pretend to be a financial institution or other credit based company. They will call and/or send you spam or pop-up messages in order to get you to provide personal information.
- Protect your SSN card – Do not carry your SSN card in your wallet or purse! It should be locked up in a fire safe cabinet or lockbox at all times. Identity thieves can be reduced to simple pick pocketing and purse snatching in order to steal your identity.
- Use secure websites – Never enter your SSN on an unsecure website. In fact, do not enter any personal details on an unsecure web page!
The most important tip of all – Keep an eye on your credit history and your identity. Our recommended service, Net Detective, provides you with a free credit report and score! Net Detective also includes $1,000,000 in identity theft protection.
You can also protect yourself and your business by performing Social Security record checks. Using Net Detective you will uncover fraudulent, expired and fake Social Security numbers! Ensure the people you are dealing with are not using a stolen Social Security number.
Don’t become a victim of Social Security number fraud! Follow our tips and monitor your credit regularly.
Sources:
- Bureau of Justice Statistics
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Category: Identity Theft, Social Security Number Fraud
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About This Site
My name is Kim and I am a freelance writer. I have over 30 years of experience in office management and administrative expertise. I specialize in handling customer service, training and writing for online businesses.
Writing has always been my passion. I am an avid animal lover who is combining my love of writing and animals together in the children’s books I am writing.
The Internet has opened up a whole new world for people of all ages. While most of us agree it’s changed our lives for the better, there are still precautions that you need to take. I want to help you navigate the Internet safely. However, being security conscious doesn’t stop with the Internet. This blog will be your source of information and education to keep you and your family safe online and offline.
While I wish the cost of maintaining a blog was free, it is not. The providers of some—though not all—of the sites mentioned are generous enough to provide compensation for my honest opinions about their products or services. I do not write about any product that I have not personally tried. Feel free to check out my full compensation disclosure.
Kim
i need to know why my mom changed her name illegally and is currently getting hud managing to delay each year and con the required birth cert. zona mackemson changed to shirley lee gibbs why did she have to recreate herself
Hi there:
We cannot tell you why someone changed their name. The only person who can answer that question is your mom.
Best wishes,
Kim
I just found out that i have been charged, arrested in NEW JERSEY for fraud, drugs, distribution of drugs, parafanelia and the funny part of it is that i have never been in NEW JERSEY, i have never been arrested for any drug charges nor FRAUD! i am having quite a hard time and i am being denied several things such as jobs,rentals etc. What can i do to fix this problen without usin an attorney? and having to pay PLENTY of mony?
Hi Jose:
You need to first run a background check and criminal records check on yourself. Then you need to obtain copies of all of the arrest records, etc. Obviously there is a mix up or someone with the same name. Get the records and check the name and social security number on the court documents. From there, you may need an attorney to clear it up for you.
Kim
My sister stole my identity in 2002. The police refused to take a report & it’s too late now. My name has exponentiated int 28 – 32 different “people” my carrer has been over for 7 yrs. Credit card fraud, stolen bank accounts, criminal records, falsified documents I need help!!! Ths Social Security Administration won’t help. Please help me!!
Hi Laura:
Unfortunately, your situation is beyond what we can help with. I would suggest getting in touch with a credit repair company or an attorney.
We wish you the best.