If you have been the victim of a theft, it can be a distressing time. Knowing what to do next can help to make a difficult situation less stressful. If your social security card was in your wallet when it was stolen, then you should know that getting your card back is not always easy. Also, there are things you should do to protect yourself from fraud. Here is what to do if your card is stolen.
Contact Credit Companies
This is especially the case if your credit card was also in your wallet. Even still, with your social security card, the person who stole it could get credit in your name. To protect yourself against this, contact one of the major credit bureaus and seek their advice. They will be able to put a fraud alert against your details which will go some way towards protecting you.
Report It to the IRS
With your details, it is possible for the thief to file a tax return in your name. If you are expecting a refund from the IRS, then they can also fraudulently obtain that as well.
Order A New Social Security Card
Even if it isn’t urgent, you probably want your social security card back in your possession as soon as possible. The social security card application can be complicated which is why it is always a good idea to use a third-party service. This means your application is much more likely to be accurate and returned to you in the fastest time possible.
Make Sure You Have the Right Documentation
When applying for your new card, you will need to make sure you submit everything required to support your application. Again, this is where a third party comes in handy. They will make sure you know everything that is needed before you submit.
Contact the Police
As with any theft, you want to make sure that the police are aware. Be sure to mention the fact that your social security card was in your wallet if that is what was stolen. Even if it was taken from your car, make sure they know.
It is important that they know your social security card is stolen in case the thief uses it for a crime. This way they have on record that you are not in possession of the card, so any criminal activity that happens should be connected to someone else.
Keep an Eye on Credit Reports
This is something you will need to review regularly. When a thief has a social security card, they can commit various crimes. By making sure you keep an eye on credit activity, you can help to prevent fraud before it escalates into an even bigger problem.
There is a lot to remember but taking all the above steps is necessary. The fraud related to stolen social security cards can be very costly. Try and keep the damage down to a minimum and order a new card at your earliest convenience.
