Your Social Security card is crucial for safeguarding your personal and financial information. However, losing it can happen to anyone.
Fortunately, replacing a lost Social Security card is straightforward and can be done online. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you lose your Social Security card.
Key Takeaways
If you lose your Social Security card, you can use an identity protection service, get a replacement card, file a police report, and freeze your credit.
You don’t need a physical card if you know your number and have documents that contain your Social Security number.
Keep your Social Security number safe by storing it with Trustworthy and being cautious when online. Trustworthy can store all your important documents and information in one centralized, secure location.
What to Do After Losing Social Security Card
Use an Identity Protection Service
Losing your Social Security card increases the risk of identity theft, particularly the misuse of your financial information.
Your first step after noticing your card is lost is using an identity protection service. This service monitors credit applications, websites, chat rooms, black market websites, and credit applications for unusual activity. These services are great for monitoring identity theft signs, but they can also assist with some out-of-pocket losses associated with identity theft.
Identity protection services also offer credit monitoring. They will monitor your credit history and provide periodic credit scores so they can quickly spot any unusual credit activity.
Check and Freeze Your Credit
To protect yourself from identity theft after losing your Social Security card, promptly check and freeze your credit.
Daniel Rosen, the founder of Credit Repair Cloud, explains:
“A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report and prevents new accounts from being opened in your name without your permission. … You can freeze your credit for free with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.”
This essentially means freezing your credit. Anyone with access to your Social Security number (SSN) cannot use your card or any other personal information to take out loans or open accounts. A credit freeze will lock bankers and lenders from seeing your credit scores, making it unlikely for them to approve loans.
It can be applied as long as you feel your SSN is at risk and can be done through any major credit bureau. An additional step you can take is to alert your bank of what has happened.
Replace Your Card
If you need a physical replacement for your lost Social Security card, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers several methods, including a convenient online option.
To apply for a new card online, you must set up a My Social Security account or log in to your current account. Then, you must complete the application for a replacement card by following the instructions provided.
Other methods of applying for your replacement card include:
Visiting your local Social Security office. You may need to schedule an appointment.
Calling 1-800-772-1213.
Submitting your application via the mail.
Regardless of what method you use, a replacement card is free. Typically, the waiting period for a replacement card is between seven and 10 business days, while mailed applications take longer, with a wait of up to four weeks.
File a Police Report
If you suspect you’re a victim of identity theft, or at risk, file a police report to create a legal record, which can be important in addressing the aftermath of identity theft. You can also file a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Report.
Keep copies of these reports in a secure storage cloud like Trustworthy, which fully complies with data protection laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
File a Fraud Alert
In addition to freezing your credit and filing a police report, you should also issue a fraud alert on your credit. This means banks and other money lenders will be encouraged to take additional steps to ensure they verify your identity before approving loans or new lines of credit.
Fraud alerts are free to implement and can last up to a year. There is also the option to issue an extended fraud alert, which can last for seven years. To issue an alert, you can contact one of three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. Whoever you notify will notify the two other bureaus on your behalf.
Call the IRS
If your Social Security card is lost, notify the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Typically, you’ll receive a notice from the IRS if they suspect someone has been using your SSN fraudulently. If you didn’t receive a notice, you’ll need to complete Form 14039, which is the Identity Theft Affidavit.
Do You Need a Physical SSN Card?
If you know your Social Security number and believe it’s still confidential, losing the physical card is less concerning.
For example, if you don’t have your physical card, you can use a document with your SSN, like tax documents, pay stubs, and a Social Security Benefit Statement. For many places, just knowing your SSN is proof enough.
Steps to Safeguard Your Social Security Card Moving Forward
To safeguard your Social Security card, explore these simple steps:
Use Trustworthy
Rest assured, all your important information, including your SSN, can be securely stored on a reliable platform like Trustworthy.
Never worry about your personal information going missing because Trustworthy has advanced security measures and is fully SOC2 Type 2 and SOC3 certified. Some security features include multifactor authentication, biometric autofiction, data encryption using AES 256-bit encryption, tokenization, and on-screen redaction.
Be Cautious Online and Limit Sharing
As with anything you do online, take extra care to remain cautious and limit your sharing of personal information. Talking to strangers is easy, but that doesn’t mean you should overshare, as that can put your personal information at risk. Be wary of websites asking for sensitive personal information, as this can be a form of cybercrime.
Monitor Credit and Statements Closely
Regularly monitor your credit and statements, even if your card isn’t missing, to catch any suspicious activity. It’s not uncommon for thieves to put through small amounts of purchases because they’re less likely to draw attention, and this can add up after a couple of months. You can hire a credit monitoring service to do this for you.
Use Strong Passwords and 2FA Online
To keep your sensitive information safe online, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA), requiring both a password and a one-time-use code.
Passwords should contain at least eight characters and a unique mixture of letters, symbols, and numbers. Avoid using pet names or birthdays as your password.
Be Aware of Common Scams
There is no shortage of scams targeting Social Security numbers, and knowing what to be on the lookout for is a good way of ensuring you don’t get caught. One common scam is thieves who call pretending to be from the Social Security Administration to try and get your SSN. Be aware of fake emails that are phishing for information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I worry if I lose my Social Security card?
Losing your Social Security card puts your sensitive and financial information at serious risk for identity theft. To mitigate this risk, freeze your credit, file a police report, and issue a fraud alert.
How do I protect my Social Security card?
Keep your Social Security card in a secure place and use it only when absolutely necessary. Knowing your number suffices for most purposes.
How can I prove my Social Security number without a card?
You can use documents that include your SSN, such as pay stubs, tax documents, and financial records, to prove your Social Security number.
Can someone else get a replacement Social Security card for me?
Yes, you can apply for a replacement card on behalf of someone else if you can provide evidence of your authority and identity documents for both yourself and the applicant.
We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to email us with any questions, comments, or suggestions for future article topics.
Trustworthy is an online service providing legal forms and information. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice.
