How to Protect Yourself If Your Social Security Number Has Been Stolen

At SMP Hawai‘i, we’re committed to helping kūpuna stay informed and protected from identity theft. If your Social Security number (SSN) has been stolen, taking immediate action can prevent serious financial and personal harm. Here’s what you need to know and do to stay safe.

 Step 1: Report the Theft

If you suspect or know your SSN has been stolen, report it right away.

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Visit IdentityTheft.gov to file a report. The site will guide you through creating a recovery plan, including completing IRS Form 14039 for tax-related identity theft.
• Local Police: File a police report. While it may not lead to an investigation, the report can be critical for documentation when dealing with creditors or agencies.

 Step 2: Secure Your Credit

Take steps to prevent thieves from using your SSN to open accounts in your name.

• Credit Freeze: Contact each of the three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — to place a credit freeze. This blocks new credit applications using your information.
• Fraud Alert: If you’re unsure about placing a freeze, request a fraud alert. This tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity.

 Step 3: Notify Companies Affected

If your SSN was used to open accounts or access benefits, contact the companies involved:

• Banks or Credit Card Issuers: Close any fraudulent accounts immediately.
• IRS, SSA, or State Agencies: If someone used your SSN to claim benefits or file taxes, alert the appropriate agency right away.

🛡️ Ongoing Protection Tips

After addressing the immediate threat, adopt long-term habits to reduce risk:

1. Review Your Social Security Statement: Look for suspicious activity related to employment or benefits.
2. Monitor Financial Accounts: Regularly check bank and credit card activity.
3. Check Your Credit Reports: Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to request free weekly credit reports.
4. Shred Documents: Never toss papers with your SSN into the trash.
5. Use Password Protection: Keep digital documents containing your SSN in password-protected files.
6. Don’t Share Unnecessarily: Never provide your SSN unless it’s absolutely required and the request is from a verified source.
7. Use Identity Protection Services: Consider services like Experian IdentityWorks for extra peace of mind.

 Need Help?

If you’re unsure what to do next or need help reporting SSN theft:

• Call SMP Hawai‘i: 1-800-296-9422
• Email: info@smphawaii.org
• Visit: smphawaii.org

Stay proactive. Stay informed. Together, we can protect Hawai‘i’s kūpuna from the growing threat of identity theft.