New SS# due to identity theft

[APTX]

Does anyone have experience as to the process of obtaining a new social security number based on identity theft? What do you need? Is it difficult to obtain one? 

[cashorcharge]

I do not believe that is possible...unless truly extenuating circumstances are involved...

[FireMedic1]

Welcome @APTX  Has to be ongoing fraud. One time fraud and a new number isnt easy.

https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10064.pdf 

https://www.identitytheft.gov/#/ 

[tricie17]

Only if it is the IRS and someone using your card to file taxes.

[FireMedic1]

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@tricie17 wrote:

Only if it is the IRS and someone using your card to file taxes.

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"If you’ve done all you can to fix the problems resulting from misuse of your Social Security number, and someone is still using your number, we may assign you a new number. You can’t get a new Social Security number:
• If your Social Security card is lost or stolen, but there’s no evidence that someone is using your number.
• To avoid the consequences of filing for bankruptcy."

[SweetCreditObsession]

It's not simple by any means.

The system is onerous and doesn't really help the victim, I'm afraid. I know someone who is the victim of ID theft. Their information has been used multiple times over the years, primarily with Alternate Credit Reporting agencies. In one instance, their SSN was even used to get federal benefits in a different State! They've filed with IDTheft.gov, filed police reports and get sent in a circle. They have not been able to get a new Social Security Number. 

I hope that you are able to get the help that you deserve.

[APTX]

Sorry for the late response and thank you for the replies. Like many here, my credit is kind of a work in progress at the moment. If they were to try and open a legit credit account, it likely would not be approved. But my fear is for in the future when my scores have rebounded as well as if they were to try and file a tax return etc. That does scare me. Also, lots of online loan sources and payday loans that arent as picky on credit scores. I know for some I can just file disputes etc but I was hoping to nip it all in the bud in one shot. Guess the chances of that arent looking too good. 

[tricie17]

@FireMedic1 I was offered a new SS# when this happened to me thru a company that I was using for taxes and it happened from a different State. Of course, I reported as required to all entities. The investigation must have determined that I needed a new number.

[SweetCreditObsession]

@tricie17 - I'm sorry that you've been a victim of ID theft --- it's a nightmare! I am curious about the offer to receive a new SSN that you mentioned.

Am I correct in understanding that a company that you'd been paying to file or manage your taxes fraudulently used your SSN and as a result, you were offered a new SSN? What entity or kind of entity offered you a new SSN? Did you take the new SSN? What steps did you have to take in order to ensure that your creditors and CRAs used the correct SSN? Thanks!

[tricie17]

@SweetCreditObsession No it was not the company that managed and filed for me and I can not remember how I found out. It may have been something that came back from the IRS. I called the company and reported to them that my SS# had been compromised through their site. It was a nightmare for me however, the company went to work in helping me along with finding out the State that it happened out of. I reported to all entities such as FTC, SSA, IRS and police department. The police dept must be the first reporting agency and the report must be loaded with all information, FTC was second, IRS was third and they will direct to SSA. SSA is the agency that offered the card. Acceptance or not is confidential. I hope this helps with anyone going thru this. I do not know if this will be the same result as this happened at least 5 years ago.