Identity theft is more common than you may think. Sometimes the criminal is someone you know. It could be a family member, co-worker, or friend. But other times, it’s someone you’ve\u00a0never met.<\/p>\n
Before a criminal takes the opportunity to impersonate you and use your information, take steps to protect your identity<\/a>. Extensive damage to your finances occurs when new accounts are\u00a0opened without your knowledge, or when existing accounts are used without your permission.<\/p>\n Be cautious with your personal information. Keep your passwords for bank accounts, credit cards, loans and financial accounts in a safe place.\u00a0 As well, be sure to shred statements and account records after use.<\/p>\n Certain entities, such as financial institutions, employers, the Internal Revenue Service, government programs (i.e.\u00a0workers compensation and welfare),\u00a0medical providers, and insurance companies,\u00a0require your Social Security Number (SSN). They often\u00a0access information on credit reports<\/a> to determine an applicant’s credit worthiness before\u00a0approving a loan, a job or promotion, a new insurance policy, or medical coverage.<\/p>\n Legitimate businesses have privacy policies that explain why they collect personal information and the affiliates they share it with. Request\u00a0a copy of this policy and review it for their list of affiliates. Consumers have the right to inquire why certain\u00a0information,\u00a0such as name, address, phone number, date of birth, and social security number, is requested\u00a0on applications and forms.<\/p>\n You may not need to provide all information that is requested on a form. You may ask: If your SSN is required, you may ask if\u00a0 another form of identification would be acceptable.\u00a0 You may be able to give a copy of your current driver’s license, a passport, or birth certificate instead.<\/p>\n It’s not easy to get a new social security number. You can submit an application\u00a0for a new SSN with the Social Security Administration under\u00a0certain circumstances. For example:<\/p>\n When a new SSN is assigned, the new number is cross-referenced with the original number so that the person receives credit for all earnings under both numbers.<\/p>\n To request a new SSN<\/strong>, contact a Social Security office near you. You will need to complete an application, show\u00a0documents that establish U.S. citizenship, age, identity, and evidence of any legal name change, if appropriate. The application must explain the reasons for needing a new number and provide credible evidence and\u00a0documents that detail the\u00a0reasons for needing a new number.<\/p>\n Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that represents victims of credit report accuracy and privacy issues, and those who have experienced abusive collection tactics.\u00a0 Contact us<\/a> today for a free legal consultation to discuss how the consumer laws may help you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Who knows my social security number? Identity theft is more common than you may think. Sometimes the criminal is someone you know. It could be a family member, co-worker, or friend. But other times, it’s someone you’ve\u00a0never met. Before a criminal takes the opportunity to impersonate you and use your information, take steps to protect … <\/p>\nWho can I\u00a0share personal information with?<\/h2>\n
Do I\u00a0have to provide personal information on request?<\/h2>\n
Important Questions to Ask<\/h2>\n
\n-How the information will be used
\n-Where and how long it will be stored
\n-Whether the location is secure
\n-How long the information will be kept on file
\n-Who will have access to the information
\n-When the information will be deleted<\/p>\nCan I get a new social security number?<\/h2>\n
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Get Free Legal Help<\/h3>\n