Social Security claims that identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States in 2024. However, some Americans have never heard of it and its possible consequences.
Social Security identity theft can occur when a fraudulent person manages to have access to your Social Security Number. Then, this dishonest person uses it to get other confidential information about you.
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HOW CAN THIEVES USE MY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER?
Often, they use your SSN and your good credit score to apply for more credit using your name. After that, they spend the money they obtain from credit cards.
Obviously, they do not pay the bills. Therefore, you will see how your credit score is damaged. This may cause a lot of problems when you ask for a loan or credit.
In fact, many Americans learn they had their Social Security Number stolen as well as their identity when they are turned down for credit. Some victims receive calls from creditors requesting to pay the bills they owe.
WAYS THIEVES MAY STEAL YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
Since having your number stolen can cause a lot of trouble and financial distress, it is high time you learned more about the ways thieves get your SSN.
Some thieves make calls to request SSNs pretending to be agents or workers from the Social Security Administration. Sometimes they say they are ladlords, employers, or any other government agencies. On other occasions, they simply buy that information from someone who has access to it.
Be careful with the documents you do not destroy and put in the trash. They may look for it there too. Sometimes they may easily steal that information from an unsecured website. A lost or stolen purse or wallet may be another way. So, there are very many ways to steal your SSN and identity.