Your social security card is an essential piece of ID, and your card is the key to unlocking a range of essential services and products within the USA. Unfortunately, life doesn’t always go as smoothly as we would sometimes like, and there may come an occasion where your social security card vanishes due to loss or theft.
Luckily, there are simple solutions which can be applied, and it is possible to complete an online application replacement social security card Florida. The process is simple and quick and can have you reunited with a new card within two weeks.
If Your Card Is Stolen
If your social security card is stolen, there are some steps you need to take urgently to secure your identity and prevent yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft. Here are the top steps you need to take immediately to protect yourself and your children if it happens to them.
- Establish a fraud alert
The first step is to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This will help to prevent against identity theft by alerting the major credit agencies of the threat. This step can be done quickly, call one of the three major credit-reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax or Trust Union.) You only need to call one; they are then required to contact the others on your behalf.
The agencies will then contact you if any credit is taken out in your name, and will verify the purchase with you. You can review the situation every 90 days, giving you total peace of mind until the matter is resolved.
2. Review all credit reports and financial files
The easiest way to check whether you have been a victim of identity theft is via your credit report. Agencies will usually provide access to one free report a year, and this will make it easy to spot any suspicious activities or transactions you did not authorize or fraudulent credit applications. This information should then be reported to creditors straight away.
3. Report your stolen card to the IRS
You will also need to contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which can prevent thieves from filing a tax return in your name.
4. File a report with the FTC
Filing a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will help to enhance your protection. The FTC collects complaints and concerns about identity theft from the victims.
5. File a police report
You should report your lost card to the police as soon as possible. You will need to take appropriate paperwork which contains a copy of your FTC Identity Theft Affidavit, and any other proof you have of the theft. You will file a police report, and it is a good idea to take a copy.
It is important to remember that all documents which are presented to replace a lost or stolen card must be originals or copies given by the issuing agency. Photocopies or notarized copies will not be accepted.
Time is of the essence when your social security number or card have been stolen. Acquiring a new number as soon as possible is the easiest way to protect yourself from the risk of identity theft.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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