Social Security Identity Theft Explained and How DoNotPay Can Help
Identity theft has become a prevalent issue and one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States. An identity thief can use your social security number to get other personal data about you and use that data to impersonate you and possibly access your financial information.
is a real thing, and most people don't always know that someone else is using their SSN until it is too late. Someone using your social security pin and impersonating you can cause you many problems, both legally and financially.
This post discusses social security identity theft and how DoNotPay can help protect your identity from being stolen.
What Is Social Security Identity Theft?
SSN identity theft usually occurs when a hacker/ an unauthorized third-party steals your identity and gains access to your social security number. The hacker can then use this data for their own financial benefit and may sometimes get you into many problems.
Social security identity thieves often use the victim's number and good credit to apply for even more credit using your SSN. However, they don't always pay the bills after using your credit cards, thereby damaging your credit.
Unfortunately, this has become a serious issue, with many Americans falling victim to SSN identity theft and other forms of identity theft. These may include IRS identity theft, credit card fraud, Equifax identity theft, and even Experian identity theft.
Signs That You May Be a Victim of Social Security Identity Theft
Unfortunately, there's no easy way to check if you're a victim of . A hacker can abuse your SSN for months without you realizing it. Most people only become aware that someone else is using their SSN when they are turned down for credit or receive calls from unknown creditors for payment for items they never bought.
Here are some common indicators that you may be a victim of social security identity theft:
Unexplainable Credit Score Changes | This is perhaps the easiest way to know if someone else is using your SSN. You will notice inconsistencies and unexplainable changes that you didn't initiate in your accounts. You will also notice that many of your credit applications are being turned down, although you had excellent credit before the identity theft incident. |
Inaccurate Banking Information | You will also notice inconsistencies with the information in your banking statements. Therefore, always make sure you check your bank statements thoroughly for any subscriptions or payments you didn't make. |
Changes in Your Email | You may notice missing emails like bank statements or invoices at other times. You should also be watchful whenever you suddenly stop receiving email notifications for any purchases you make or start receiving notifications for purchases you never made. |
False Employment Records | The perpetrator can also use your SSN to pass a background check or get a job in your name. Luckily, any earnings will show up on your personal statement, letting you know that something is off. |
Messages From Credit Agencies | Another sure sign that someone else is using your SSN is when you start receiving calls and messages from credit companies asking you to repay your credit. |
How to Prevent Identity Theft
Stolen SSN identity theft can be a nightmare to fix, especially if this is your first time dealing with such an issue. And while SSNs were never meant to be the primary ID for many situations, that's exactly what usually happens.
Fortunately, there are several ways to combat Social Security Identity Theft and secure your SSN. Here are some important methods to consider:
- Offer an alternative form of identification
- Leave your SSN card at home
- Don't use your social security number as a password
- Shred all documents and mail with personal details like SSN
- Don't share your SSN with strangers
- Don't send your SSN through electronic devices
- Monitor your credit card and bank accounts
As you can see, it takes quite a lot of work and dedication to keep your social security number away from prying eyes. But it doesn't have to be.
How to Report Social Security Identity Theft Using DoNotPay
We all know just how strenuous and time-consuming securing your SSN can be or the process of retrieving your SSN from a hacker in case of a breach. Many people also don't know the necessary steps to report identity theft. But you don't have to face the problem alone.
DoNotPay provides you with a fast, easy, and successful strategy to secure your social security number and report social security identity theft cases. The DoNotPay app provides you with a clear strategy to prevent social security identity theft and avoid the inconveniences of a stolen SSN.
Follow these steps to deal with social security identity theft using DoNotPay
- Search "identity theft" on DoNotPay and select the type of incident you would like to report.
- Tell us more about the incident that occurred, including the location, date, time, financial loss, and any suspect information you may have.
- We'll identify whether you should file an FTC report, contact the IRS, freeze your credit report, contact state agencies, or file a police report. Once we guide you through the best options, we'll automatically submit the reports on your behalf!
As you can see, DoNotPay makes the process easier and ensures that your identity theft issue is sent to the right place and filed properly. You never have to worry about the identity theft reporting process when using the DoNotPay app.
Why Use DoNotPay to Solve Your Social Security Identity Theft Issue
The above process proves that using DoNotPay guarantees your issue will be reported to the relevant authorities and resolved within the shortest time. However, other important reasons make DoNotPay the best solution to solve your SSN identity theft problem.
DoNotPay is:
- FAST: you won't need to spend several hours trying to fix your SSN identity theft issue
- EASY: filling up the social security identity theft form in DoNotPay is as easy as filling out a survey
- SUCCESSFUL: you will find hundreds of positive online reviews from satisfied customers who have used the service before
What Else Can DoNotPay Do?
Besides helping you with your Social Security Identity Theft issues, the DoNotPay app can help you solve other daily life problems, including:
- Compensation for victims of crime
- Contact government representatives
- Report stolen stimulus check
- Filed for unemployment in the wrong name
- Chargebacks and refunds
- Small claims court
- Insurance claims
Don't let someone else use your SSN in vain and possibly get you into financial and troubles. DoNotPay is the best process to help you send demand letters to your SSN hacker NOW. With our Complaint Letters product, you will be in a better position to generate a demand letter to get small claims forms, demand compensation, and a court script.