Can someone go to jail for using your Social Security number?

Can someone go to jail for using your Social Security number?

Criminal Identity Theft – Someone who has your Social Security number and is taken in by law enforcement for criminal conduct also could use it as their very own “get out of jail free” card.

How do you know if your SSN is being used?

To see if your Social Security number is being used by someone else for employment purposes, review your Social Security Statement at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to look for suspicious activity. Finally, you’ll want to use additional scrutiny by regularly checking your bank and credit card accounts online.

How can I protect my Social Security number from being used?

How to Protect Your SSN

1. Offer an Alternative Form of ID.
2. Ask Why They Want It and How It Will Be Handled.
3. Leave Your Card at Home.
4. Shred Mail and Documents With Personal Details.
5. Don’t Use Your SSN as a Password.
6. Don’t Send Your SSN via an Electronic Device.
7. Don’t Give It out to Strangers.

Is it safe to enter your SSN online?

How to Safeguard Your SSN. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers not to enter their Social Security number online or give it out in an email or over the phone. Ask if there are other forms of identification that are acceptable, or whether you can use the last four digits of your Social Security number.

What are 3 things you should do if you learn your identity has been stolen or compromised?

• File a claim with your identity theft insurance, if applicable.
• Notify companies of your stolen identity.
• File a report with the FTC.
• Contact your local police department.
• Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
• Freeze your credit.
• Sign up for a credit monitoring service, if offered.

How do you know if your identity has been compromised?

Warning signs of identity theft

1. A strange charge on your credit card bill.
2. Credit card bills stop coming in the mail.
3. Your credit score is going up.
4. Your credit score is going down.
5. You get a tax transcript that you didn’t request or your electronic tax return is rejected.
6. You’re unexpectedly denied for a credit card or loan.