If someone uses your Social Security number to obtain a job, credit, loans, telephone accounts, or other goods and services, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) . The FTC collects complaints about identity theft from those whose identities have been stolen.

Why is it bad if someone knows your Social Security number?

Once an identity thief has your Social Security number, they can commit all sorts of financial fraud, potentially leaving you on the hook for their misconduct. Social Security numbers are wrapped up in most aspects of Americans’ lives—employment, medical history, taxes, education and bank accounts, to name a few.

Is it illegal to know someone else’s SSN?

It is against the law to use someone else’s Social Security number or to give false information when applying for a number. Also, it is illegal to alter, buy, or sell Social Security cards.

What happens if someone finds your Social Security card?

A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, they use the credit cards and don’t pay the bills, it damages your credit.

Should I be worried if someone has my SSN?

If you suspect somebody has your Social Security Number — whether they stole it from a company (like Equifax) or you gave it to them voluntarily — it’s important to set up credit monitoring. Typically your bank or the company that was breached will provide this to you for free.

Can you go to jail for posting someones social?

The answer is yes — depending on your status and what you are posting online, your social media postings could land you in jail. An experienced criminal defense lawyer in Irvine, CA can assist you if you are suspected of a crime and the police are seeking to access your social media accounts for evidence of this crime.

Can you go to jail for posting someone’s social?

Aggravated or gross misdemeanors are punishable up to one year in jail with a possible fine of up to $1,000 or more. California classifies some crimes as ‘wobbler’ offenses. If convicted of a wobbler crime, the prosecutor can charge you with either a felony or a misdemeanor.

How can I tell if someone is using my SSN?

The Social Security Administration can tell you if someone is working on your SSN; the IRS can tell you if someone is filing taxes on it; but only your credit agencies can tell you if someone is using your SSN to acquire and use credit.

Is it safe to give out your Social Security number?

Stop giving out your SSN. There’s no reason you should carry your social security card in your wallet. No travel agent needs your social security number. No travel loyalty card or rewards program requires that number. Do not give your social security number to a car rental agency.

What to do if someone is using your Social Security card?

You have four things you need to do. You need to contact the Federal Trade Commission to report identity theft, contact the credit reference agencies to report the theft, contact the Social Security Administration, and contact your local police. The FTC is at 1-877-438-4338 or

What do the nine digits on a Social Security card mean?

Let’s take a look at what these nine digits mean. The first three digits are the Area Number. Just like the area code of your phone number places your geographical origin, Area Numbers represent where in the United States the person holding the Social Security Number was either born or received their card.