How to Get Someone to Stop Using Your Social Security Number
- 1). Contact one of the three major consumer reporting agencies, Experian (Experian.com), Equifax (Equifax.com) or Transunion (Transunion.com) to report fraudulent use of your Social Security number.
- 2). Place an initial fraud alert on your credit report. This alert will remain in effect for at least 90 days and requires businesses to contact you directly before authorizing credit.
- 3). Request a copy of your credit report from the consumer reporting agency. Placement of the initial fraud alert allows you to receive a free credit report.
- 4). Review the report for any fraudulent activity, including unauthorized accounts, inquiries from companies that you did not initiate and errors in your personal information.
- 1). Contact any companies that have reported incorrect or fraudulent transactions on your credit report. These may include financial institutions such as banks and credit card companies, as well as utility and cell phone service providers.
- 2). Close all accounts that were opened or accessed by someone else.
- 3). Reopen any accounts that you wish to continue using. Protect your accounts with a secure password. Refrain from using a password that would be easy for someone to guess, such as your mother's maiden name or numbers from your birthday, phone number or Social Security number.
- 4). Request hard copies of transactions or applications that you did not initiate. Follow company procedure to dispute fraudulent activity.
- 1). File a police report with local law enforcement. Furnish copies of any paperwork that provide evidence of fraud. Obtain a copy of the police report once filed.
- 2). Report the fraudulent use of your Social Security number to the Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov).
- 3). Notify the Social Security Administration (ssa.gov) that you suspect someone else is using your Social Security number. Request a statement of earnings from the SSA and review the statement for incorrect information that may indicate someone is using your SSN for work.
- 4). Inform the Internal Revenue Service (IRS.gov) if you believe someone else is working under your Social Security number.
- 1). Contact a major consumer reporting agency to request an extended alert on your credit report. An extended alert offers credit protection for seven years and two free credit reports every 12 months.
- 2). Complete and submit an identity theft report to the consumer reporting agency. Provide a copy of the police report and any available supporting documentation.
- 3). Continue to monitor your credit report and earnings statements regularly.
- 4). Visit your local Social Security office to request a new Social Security number if you believe that your SSN is still being used. Be prepared to prove fraudulent use of your information, as well as your previous attempts to resolve the situation.
Initiate Credit Alert
Close Accounts
Notify the Appropriate Agencies
Ongoing Fraud
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