Discovering your Social Security number was stolen in a data breach is alarming. A data breach occurs when hackers access and steal sensitive information stored by companies or organizations.
Your Social Security number (SSN) is a treasure trove for identity thieves – it unlocks the door to a wide range of fraudulent activities in your name. You need to act quickly and decisively to minimize the damage.
With your SSN, criminals can:
- Open new credit cards and bank accounts
- File tax returns to claim fraudulent refunds
- Take out loans in your name
- Obtain medical services under your identity
- Potentially even commit crimes using your information
Identity theft can destroy your credit score, lead to overwhelming debt, and cause lasting stress and financial hardship.
Don’t panic, but don’t delay. The steps you take immediately following an SSN-related data breach are crucial to protecting yourself.
Why SSN Theft is So Dangerous
Your Social Security number is a master key to your financial and personal life. In the hands of criminals, it can cause devastating consequences:
Opening New Accounts
With your SSN and some additional personal information, identity thieves can open credit cards, bank accounts, and even take out loans in your name. This can ruin your credit score, leaving you responsible for fraudulent debts.
Filing Fraudulent Tax Returns
Thieves may file tax returns using your SSN to claim refunds they are not entitled to. This can result in delays in getting your rightful refund and potential investigations by the IRS.
Medical Identity Theft
An increasingly common crime, medical identity theft occurs when criminals use your SSN to obtain medical care or prescriptions, sticking you with the bills and potentially creating errors in your medical records.
Long-lasting Consequences
Recovering from identity theft can take months, sometimes years. The financial impact, stress, and the hassle of restoring your good name can have a lasting, damaging effect on your life.
Knowing what’s at stake reinforces the urgency of taking immediate action if you suspect your SSN has been stolen.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Contact the Three Major Credit Bureaus
- File a Report with the FTC
- Freeze Your Credit
- Monitor Your Accounts and Credit Report
- Conduct Additional Security Measures
1. Contact the Three Major Credit Bureaus
- Equifax (or call 1-888-766-0008)
- Experian (or call 1-888-397-3742)
- TransUnion (or call 1-800-680-7289)
Options:
- Fraud Alert: A fraud alert notifies lenders that they must take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new credit accounts. It’s free and lasts for one year, although you can renew it.
- Credit Freeze: A credit freeze is the strongest tool. It blocks almost all access to your credit report, making it extremely difficult for thieves to open accounts in your name. It’s also free, and you can lift it temporarily anytime you need to apply for credit.
2. File a Report with the FTC
- Visit https://www.identitytheft.gov/. This website, run by the Federal Trade Commission, is the central hub for identity theft reporting and resources.
- Filing a report creates an official record of the theft and helps with the recovery process. It also gives you access to a personalized recovery plan.
3. Freeze Your Credit
- Placing a credit freeze at all three credit bureaus is your most powerful defense against fraudulent new accounts.
- You’ll need to contact each bureau (see links above) separately to initiate the freeze. You may be asked to provide proof of identity and address.
Take these steps right away! It may seem overwhelming, but each action strengthens your protection against the devastating impact of SSN theft.
4. Monitor Your Accounts and Credit Report
- How to get free credit reports: You’re entitled to one free credit report from each of the three bureaus every 12 months. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com (the official site) to request yours.
- What to look for:
- Unfamiliar accounts: Any credit cards, loans, or lines of credit you didn’t open.
- Hard inquiries: Applications for new credit, which can signal fraudulent activity.
- Address changes: Redirecting your mail is a tactic thieves use.
- Errors in your personal information: Incorrect details can indicate tampering.
- How often to check: Ideally, check your credit reports every few months. At the very least, make it a habit to check them annually.
5. Additional Security Measures
- Change Passwords/PINs: Especially for important accounts (bank, email, etc.). Use strong, unique passwords and avoid reusing them across sites.
- Be Wary of Scams: After a breach, criminals often try phishing scams. Be suspicious of any unsolicited calls, emails, or texts claiming to be from your bank, the government, or a company involved in the breach.
Long-Term Vigilance is Key
Sadly, even if you take all the right steps, identity theft can still happen. The battle doesn’t always end with the initial response.
Having your Social Security number stolen is a serious and stressful event. Remember, you have the power to protect yourself and mitigate the damage. By acting quickly, remaining vigilant, and seeking help when needed, you can lessen the impact of this crime.
Heenan & Cook data breach lawyers specialize in helping victims understand their rights, advocate on their behalf, and potentially secure compensation for damages.
How Heenan & Cook Can Help
Dealing with the fallout of a data breach can be stressful and confusing – and that’s on top of the violation you’ve already experienced. The attorneys at Heenan & Cook are committed to guide you in your in data breach cases. We can help by:
- Investigating the source of the breach: We’ll work to determine if the company responsible for the breach failed to meet its obligations to protect your sensitive data.
- Seeking compensation: If the investigation reveals negligence, we’ll fight to secure the compensation you deserve to cover any financial losses or damage caused by the identity theft.
- Guiding you through the recovery process: We understand the complex steps involved in recovering from identity theft. We’ll handle communications with credit bureaus, creditors, and government agencies on your behalf, so you can focus on getting your life back on track.
If you’re overwhelmed or believe you deserve justice for the harm caused by the data breach, contact Heenan & Cook for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and get back to you within 48 hours to discuss your options.