The realization that identity theft was a real problem was brought to my attention when the son of a close friend went to purchase a car. When he applied for the car loan he was told that he had a credit problem and his loan request was denied. This was a complete surprise to him. As far as he knew his credit record was outstanding. He discovered he was a victim of identity theft!

Social Security Identity Fraud

dentity thieves are constantly on the lookout for any documentation they can use to smoothly acquire another person’s identity. The number one document that will open almost any door for these unscrupulous characters is your Social Security card. Once a thief has obtained your Social Security number, the path to assuming your Social Security identity is now wide open and ready to be trampled upon. Therefore, your Social Security number should always be protected at all costs. Don’t become a victim of Social Security identity fraud.

You will be required to present a valid Social Security card to the personnel office when you embark on a new job. Once your employer has recorded the number, the safest thing for you to do, in order to protect your Social Security identity, is to store your card in a secure location. Never carry your Social Security card on your person, in your wallet or in the glove box of your car.

But what do you do if, despite your best efforts, you discover someone is using your Social Security number for fraudulent purposes? You must act immediately. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission either by phone (1-877-438-4338) or via the Internet at www.consumer.gov/idtheft . Do not procrastinate on this as identity thieves are extremely adept at rapidly assuming your persona and they can cause unlimited damage to your credit rating in very short order.

If you suspect that someone else is using your Social Security number for work purposes, you should immediately contact the Social Security Office. Identity thieves can wreck havoc with your income tax and if left to their own devices can cause you untold grief with Uncle Sam and the IRS. It could take months or even years and probably a ton of money to prove you have been a victim of identity theft, so quick action on your part is essential.

Should you suspect that someone else is using your Social Security number fraudulently to retain employment, you can also go Online at www.ssa.gov/mystatement and check your Social Security Statement, which records all earnings posted to your Social Security record. Should your suspicions be confirmed and you discover errors on your Social Security statement, you should immediately contact your Social Security Department. Again, procrastination can be devastating as unravelling these records is time consuming and fraught with red tape.

Should the unthinkable happen and you can confirm that someone else has access to your Social Security number and is creating havoc… Read the rest

The realization that identity theft was a real problem was brought to my attention when the son of a close friend went to purchase a car. When he applied for the car loan he was told that he had a credit problem and his loan request was denied. This was a complete surprise to him. As far as he knew his credit record was outstanding. He discovered he was a victim of identity theft!

Social Security Number Identity Theft

One of the fastest growing crimes in America is identity theft. Many people have been victims of this criminal act and as reported, the common cause is the use of stolen social security number.

When a dishonest person has your social security number, the thief can use it to obtain other personal information about you. Most of the time, these identity thieves use your number as well as your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. What happens next is that they will use the credit cards and do not pay the bills. You will only find out that someone is using your social security number until you are turned down for credit, or when you start to get calls from unknown creditors demanding payment for items you never bought. Given this fact, protecting your social security number is no doubt a matter worthy of consideration.