Once hackers or thieves have your SSN, they can make false statements on claims, file claims under your SSN, file fraudulent tax returns for refunds, open bank accounts and credit cards and more.

What do you do if someone hacks your Social Security number?

1. Contact one of the three major credit-reporting agencies — Equifax, TransUnion, or Experian — to place a credit freeze or a fraud alert on your credit file.
2. Tell each of the three agencies that your SSN has been stolen.

What is the penalty for stealing someone’s Social Security number?

Specifically, the budget agreement: Creates a new felony offense for conspiracy to commit Social Security fraud, punishable by up to 5 years in prison, fines of up to $250,000, or both.

Can you get a new Social Security number if someone stole yours?

Applying for a New Number or Replacement Card The SSA may assign a new Social Security number to you if you are being harassed, abused, or are in grave danger when using the original number, or if you can prove that someone has stolen your number and is using it.

How do you protect your Social Security number after it’s stolen?

If you believe that your Social Security number has been stolen, here are three things you can do to protect yourself:

1. Report the identity theft to the responsible government agencies.
2. Request a credit freeze with each of the three major consumer credit bureaus.

How do you see if your SSN has been stolen?

To see if your Social Security number is being used by someone else for employment purposes, review your Social Security Statement at to look for suspicious activity. Finally, you’ll want to use additional scrutiny by regularly checking your bank and credit card accounts online.

How do I check if my Social Security number has been compromised?

at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or go to: To order a copy of your Social Security Administration earnings and benefits statement, or to check whether someone has used your Social Security number to get a job or to avoid paying taxes, visit

What are the consequences of using someone else’s Social Security number?

Using someone else’s SSN is a federal crime and could result in up to 15 years in jail. It could prevent you from obtaining legal status or cause you to be deported.

Is using a fake Social Security number a felony?

The use of a false Social Security Number or card is a felony,[1] punishable by a fine, and up to five years in prison.

What can I do if someone stole my Social Security number?

For example, you can report the following to SSA: Someone used the stolen SSN to make a claim. It is illegal to provide false information when applying for Social Security benefits, so SSA can investigate if the person used the number to get benefits. Someone is buying or selling counterfeit cards. SSA will also investigate this crime as well.

Why do people use stolen Social Security numbers?

Often, someone will use a stolen Social Security Number in order to gain access to different government benefits programs. They use the stolen SSN because they otherwise would not qualify. You should identify what benefits, if any, the person has obtained using the stolen SSN. For example: Understand identify theft.

Is it a crime to steal someone’s SSN?

It is unclear how common SSN-only ID theft is, but the issue is one of many byproducts of the millions of undocumented workers at U.S. companies. Employers are required to obtain right-to-work documents from new hires, including evidence of a valid Social Security number.

What happens if someone steals your child’s Social Security number?

Child identity theft happens when someone takes a child’s sensitive personal information and uses it to get services or benefits, or to commit fraud. They might use your child’s Social Security number, name and address, or date of birth. They could use the stolen information to