Lost Social Security Card - Prevent Identity Theft

Replacing your lost social security card, may actually be the least of your problems when you consider the fact that you are in very high danger of having your identity stolen.

On average, it takes over 14 months to totally recover financially from identity theft - and that is once you have of course found out about it. It can sometimes take over a year for a victim to even know about it.

The crooks will not use your existing credit cards and account, but apply for new ones in your name. This is when the nightmare begins, because it is not just a case of calling the police and telling them. You have PROVE it is not you running up these huge bills, and that is not easy.

How do you replace your Lost Social Security Card? You are allowed three cards per year, and ten in a lifetime, not including name changes and other amendments. If you have not reached your limit, you need to fill out the application form Here. in blue or black ink. The form must be printed onto 8.5" x 11" paper or A4 paper.

Then you need to prepare all your identification documents.

The documents you will need in order to replace a lost Social Security Card are: A U.S. Driver's License as well a State-issued Non-Driver Identity Card OR a U.S. passport.

Go to your local Social Security Card Center and submit your application. If you do not know where your nearest Social Security Card Center is, click Here.

When you get your replacement card, NEVER carry your Social Security card around in your purse or wallet, there is no need to do so on a daily basis. Keep it with your Birth Certificate, Driver's License and your Passport in a safe place in your home. By safe, I of course mean; where a burglar would never find them.

Best of Luck!

Su

After replacing your lost Social Security Card, you might want to read this report:

It is believed that Facebook users are putting themselves at risk of identity theft by giving away their personal details too easily.

Two people in five people using the social networking sites revealed personal information to a stranger, according to a recent survey.

They gave email addresses, dates of birth, addresses and even phone numbers to an unknown user. For more information see this Article.

As well as using people's lost social security card, thieves are now using camera cell phones to photograph your credit cards while you're making purchases in shops.

Stay vigilant, and look around you. If someone has a cell phone near you , whilst you are handing over your credit card, make sure they can't see the number. You wouldn't believe the tricks the thieves get up to. This is just one of them.

Make sure you are not complacent

Su

Whether or not you have suffered a lost Social Security Card, you may be interested to know that a recent study found that in 2006, the average victim of an existing identity theft account fraud had to pay $4,587, in consumer costs associated with the fraud, and victims of new accounts opened in their name had to pay on average, $617.

Read more Here.

As I said earlier, my costs were a lot higher. I had to pay just under $7,500 in total for all costs incurred by having my identity stolen. That even includes costs and many months trying to fix my credit report. The thief who stole my identity was two years younger than me, and very nearly got away with it.

Don't let it happen to you. Keep checking back for more tips on how to stay safe.

All the Best

Su

Although this site primarily deals with Lost Social Security Cards and their link to Identity Theft, crooks are also producing fake Social Security Cards consisting of existing Social Security Card numbers, ie: yours and mine - but with new identities. To read more go Here.

Stick with me and I'll make sure you don't fall foul of this crime.

Stay safe

Su