Your Social Security number (SSN) is one of the most valuable pieces of personal information in the United States.
It gives access to your financial, tax, and employment records, which is why identity thieves often target it.
If you suspect your SSN has been stolen or misused, acting quickly can help reduce the damage.
This guide explains the steps you should take, how to report the theft, and ways to prevent future misuse, based on official information from the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and major credit bureaus.
How can you tell if your Social Security number has been compromised?
Warning signs of SSN misuse can appear in many forms.
You might receive IRS notices about tax returns you didn’t file, see unfamiliar accounts on your credit report, or get debt collection calls for loans you never took.
Sometimes, your employer may inform you that someone else used your SSN for work.
According to the FTC, sudden drops in your credit score, new credit inquiries, or mail about unfamiliar financial products are red flags.
If any of these occur, treat them as potential identity theft.
What is the first thing to do after SSN theft?
Your first step is to visit IdentityTheft.gov, the federal government’s official identity theft recovery site managed by the FTC.
There, you can report the theft and create a personal recovery plan.
The system guides you through actions such as placing fraud alerts, freezing your credit, and sending letters to companies or agencies involved.
You’ll receive a case number and documents to use when contacting banks or credit bureaus.
This report acts as official proof that you are a victim of identity theft.
Should you contact the Social Security Administration?
Yes, but the SSA cannot issue a new SSN in most cases.
It will only replace your number if someone has used it fraudulently and you continue to face harm that cannot be fixed by other means.
To learn more, call the SSA’s fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or visit oig.ssa.gov to report misuse.
The SSA Office of the Inspector General investigates fraud involving Social Security benefits and identity theft.
If your benefits were affected, contact your local SSA office immediately.
How do you protect your credit after SSN theft?
Contact all three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, and request a credit freeze.
This prevents lenders from accessing your credit file, making it harder for thieves to open new accounts in your name.
You can also place a one-year fraud alert, which requires lenders to verify your identity before approving credit.
You are entitled to a free credit report every week from each bureau through AnnualCreditReport.com.
Review these reports closely for new accounts, unfamiliar addresses, or inquiries you didn’t authorize.
Should you file a police report or contact the IRS?
The FTC identity theft report is usually enough, but you may file a local police report if a creditor, employer, or government agency requests it.
Bring your FTC report, proof of identity, and any evidence of misuse.
If your SSN was used for tax fraud, for example, someone filed a return in your name, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490 and submit Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit).
The IRS will flag your tax account to prevent future fraudulent filings.
Can you get a new Social Security number?
The SSA may issue a new SSN only in specific cases, such as when you’ve suffered ongoing financial harm, harassment, or threats, and other measures haven’t solved the problem.
You must provide proof of identity, evidence of continued misuse, and documentation showing how it affects your life.
Even with a new number, your old record remains linked for tax and credit purposes, meaning prior issues may still need monitoring.
This process is strict to prevent criminals from escaping detection through number changes.
How can you prevent future misuse of your SSN?
- Store your card safely and never carry it in your wallet.
- Limit where you share your SSN. Only give it to verified institutions that legally require it, such as your employer or financial institutions.
- Use strong online security. Enable two-factor authentication for banking and government portals like my Social Security and the IRS online account.
- Monitor financial statements regularly and set up alerts for unusual transactions.
- Sign up for credit monitoring or use free fraud alerts from major credit bureaus.
Identity theft can be stressful, but taking these steps ensures your credit, taxes, and benefits remain secure.
Acting promptly and documenting each action is the best defense against long-term harm.
