Why a Stolen Number is Dangerous

• Social Security numbers can be stolen in a variety of ways. Thieves may physically steal your wallet with your Social Security card or other identifying documents in it. They may call you as a scam, telling you that you've won lots of money but you first must prove your identity. They may hack in to Internet site where you have entered your Social Security number. Not matter how they get it, they can use it to apply for credit or jobs in your name. Often thieves will receive a new credit card in your name and rack up charges and then dump the card, leaving you with the bill. Thieves can also apply for a job in your name and then not pay taxes on their earnings so the IRS comes after you for being delinquent on your taxes. A Social Security card is easy to forge because there are no biometric identifications like a photo on it. Therefore, for someone looking at a well-forged card it is nearly impossible if the person presenting it is the actual card holder.
  
  

Stolen Children's Social Security Numbers

• Because stolen numbers usually go undetected until an individual applies for a loan or a job and is denied because of bad credit, children are particularly vulnerable to identity theft because they generally do not apply for credit or have a reason to check their credit reports. It may not be until the child grows up and applied for a college loan or a mortgage that he or she realizes the amount of money that has been charged in his or her name.
  
  

What to Do If Your Number is Stolen

• Immediately call one of the credit bureaus--TransUnion, Equifax or Experian--and have them place a 90-day fraud alert on your account. This allows you to order an additional copy of your credit report for free to help you monitor any suspicious activity. If there are any accounts on the credit report that have been opened that you do not recognize, call the credit card company to close the immediately. In extreme cases, the Social Security Administration will allow you to have a new Social Security number but you must prove that your old number is being used against you.