Passport, Social Security stolen - what happens next?
 

Hi all-

Well, don't come to Central Minnesota without a money belt - those purse thieves are vicious here.

Also, don't be as moronic as I was. Separate your drivers license, Social Security card AND passport so they can't get ripped off all at once. (I know this is dumb, but I flat-out forgot to put my passport away after the last trip.)

Here's my question: My bank is advising me to get a new SSN now to protect my financial identity. Our banker says that process can take six months to a year. The only other alternative, she says, is to close the current account and reopen just one account in DH's name, and "he could give you cash to use." Uh, nope.

Meanwhile, I need to provide a SSN to have my passport replaced. How does that work if I'm getting a new SSN? Am I grounded for up to a year while the Social Security Administration does its thing?

Does anyone have any experience with such matters? If so, I'd love to hear how you handled it. This just happened a few hours ago so I'm still doing triage.

Thanks everyone.

(And if I find those rotten little creeps, well, I oughtta....If I can find time between kicks to my own hind end.)

First of all, I wouldn't take ANY banker's word for how long replacement of a SSAN takes..I'd contact the SS Administration and ask THEM for advice...to include what to do re a new passport.

I'm sure your banker means well but I suspect you wouldn;t contact the SS Administration about how to invest your life savings.

Good luck.

I would advise you to get a social security number (another card – keep the old number for now). It takes two weeks to get a new card with proper ID (if you were born in the US, you need fairly new ID, ie driver’s license, medical records, etc. A birth certificate alone is not enough). You can then get your passport.

To get Social Security to change your number to a completely new number, it will take more than six months, if not a year. Remember, your entire life has been documented under the old number. They will only change it if you can provide proof that your number has been used for illegal purposes. The law is very strict when it comes to changing your SSN. There have been so many cases where people have attempted to change their SSN for nefarious reasons, especially since 9/11.

You should notify the major credit companies to keep a look out for any possible fraud.

I would definitely contact SS directly.

And I am sorry but I have to ask, why do you carry your SS card anyway? Memorize the number and keep it in a safe place or shred it! I hate that some health ins. companies and MEDICARE use your SS number as an identifier!

P.S. former SSA Fed.

Re passports, if you've got a ticket to some international destination and you're leaving soon, you can get another passport quickly. Otherwise you will have to wait a bit. My passport was stolen and the last page of my new passport is marked "This passport is a replacement for a stolen passport." Don't know if your new passport will carry the same notice, but it might.

I wasn't even aware you could change social security numbers except for extremely unusual circumstances (ie, possibly witness protection or domestic abuse), but the problems that would cause would not be something I would enter into lightly, even if it is possible. Your entire work history and earnings are under your number. You don't even know if there is any problem or that anyone will use it for anything.

While private health insurance companies could use their own ID, I can't imagine why someone complains because Medicare uses your social security number as part of your ID. Medicare was created as part of the Social Security Act (title 18), and SSA determines your eligibility. To me, that's like complaining social security uses your social security number for benefits.

<<"Memorize the number and keep it in a safe place or shred it!">>

I'm pretty sure that shredding it is a bad idea. Many employers require that you show it when first starting a job for payroll purposes... at least mine did.

Hope your situation gets satisfactorily resolved soon!

Your SS# can be used to open credit cards so you should probably contact all 3 credit reporting agencies and have them flag your account.

I don't know what Voyager2006 knows about banking but - Listen to your banker
.
They've been combatting identity theft and fraud for years and they know how difficult it will be to "rebuild" one's credit after one's identity is stolen. Large bank companies have even set up departments to fight identity theft as it is the financial institutions that also get hit hard whenever an identity is stolen.

I've heard of stories where it does take 6 months to replace a stolen SS card.

Thanks for all your good replies.

I have contacted the credit bureaus, all of my credit card issuers, the bank (obviously), DH just finished changing all the locks on the house and garage (they got my keys, too), the cell phone has been reported stolen and number suspended and the auto glass people will be here tomorrow a.m. to replace the smashed window in my car.

Now I just have to hope this creep doesn't decide to steal either of our vehicles - he has keys to both and knows where I live and work.

What have I forgotten, folks?

BTW, Simone1, you have good info. The SSA Web site says you cannot (bold letters) get a new SSN if your card is stolen without evidence that it has been used fraudulently. So I guess I'll be going 'round and 'round with the banker tomorrow. Hope I can get our accounts unfrozen anyway - I tapped all the ready cash for new house locks.

We'll start with the new drivers license, banking and SSN issues tomorrow. Passport problem will have to wait for Wednesday.


BTilke - have you had any problems at immigration with your "stolen replacement" passport?

Unless something has changed in the last month or so, it should not take anywhere near 6 weeks, let alone 6 months, to get a replacement soc sec card (same number). I lost mine and I had my new one in 10 days.

I downloaded the application form from SSA's website, then took it and my identification (the website lists acceptable ID at www.ssa.gov) to the soc sec office. Piece of cake.

I've never had to show my actual 60 year old SS card to any employer, just provide the number! God ony knows where it is..probably disintegrated from age. There are many citizen groups that are lobbying to have SS numbers removed as identification. You have to show your Medicare card with your SS number to many people when requesting medical service..who knows what becomes with your record.

I am afraid the laws have changed drastically since 9/11. Every employer has to request to see the actual card before they can hire someone.

Well, another reason to be pleased that I have retired!

Hello Worktowander, it sounds like you left your purse in your car, and consequently the burglars broke into your car and stole your purse. Oh sigh, what a problem.

Please everyone, do not leave anything with any personal information unattended.

Worktowander, you did report this to your PD also? If not do so immediately.

Another question. Did you have the garage door opener in your car? If so, did they steal that also? If so, have the code for your garage door changed. Or maybe you do not have a garage since you are worried about the burglars breaking into your vehicles because they have the vehicle keys. I am almost certain you can take your vehicles to the dealer and they can change your vehicle locks.

As someone else mentioned, a good reminder to everyone, do NOT carry your social security card with you. And if you have a medicare card do NOT carry that with you. Only take it with you if you need it for a specific purpose for the day.

In California, Health Ins. Co's now have to give you an ID# that is different then your SS# thank goodness. Not sure if that is true throughout the US, but if not people need to start hounding their state legislatures to have this law passed.

I can only imagine the stress you are under Worktowander. And isn't it true, crime can happen anywhere. My very best wishes to you.

Yep, Loveitaly, my first call, before we even left the parking lot at the boat ramp, was to the county sheriff's department. I work pretty closely with them in my job, so the ribbing I'm in for - it'll be good.

Yes, this kind of thing can happen anywhere. We were doing a sunrise canoe paddle this morning (explaining why I left purse in car, under the dash - I didn't want to dump it in river. Why have it along at all? I take it when we canoe because I need car keys, license, insurance card, etc., for the "shuttle vehicle." When you river trip with a canoe, you need a car parked downstream where your trip will end - unless you want to paddle upstream a lot).

This crime happened in the boat ramp parking lot at a wilderness park in our area. We've used this park a lot and never had any kind of problem. It's mostly used by paddlers and hunters. It's far off the road, far out of town and doesn't get heavy traffic. I'm thinking the creepolas have put that lot on their "rounds," because it sure isn't convenient to get to, almost ruling out a "crime of opportunity."

A few weeks ago, someone in my office was the victim of identity theft. Afterwards, he gave everyone a printed list of what needs to be done. Unfortunately, mine is at the office and I'm at home.
This link is for credit cards and atm.
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/atmcard.htm

Maybe another Fodorite has the complete list.

Did I miss something? I failed to see where your social security number was co-opted by someone...only that your wallet/purse/ID was stolen. Maybe they only wanted the cash. Why go to all the trouble of changing the # if your ID is in the garbage? Wouldn't it be wiser to wait to see if you HAVE to get a new SS#? You may have to have an SS# for a passport, but since it's not ON the passport, your old # would be OK to use.

I'm with you tomboy - wait and see before blowing up my SSN. But my banker seems to think having the number "out there" puts my bank accounts at very high risk for fraud.

I think my accounts have a very limited risk for fraud, considering what's in them ;-)

The SSA apparently agrees, so maybe I'll win this go-round.

Hi worktowander, again I am so sorry about your problem. It got me thinking, when we had our boat I use to leave my purse (with my wallet inside) on the boat when we went on shore to have meals or on other peoples boats etc. Stupid but lucky me, nothing was ever stolen! Luck of the draw I guess you could say. I sure hope that this turns out alright for you. Best wishes.

Worktowander--

I'm dying to know where you were when your purse was stolen. I live in Minneapolis where I always see the signs posted in the parks warning people not to leave valuables in their cars. Sounds like you were more up in one of the parks or wilderness areas north of the city. Am I right?

I'm with Jody on this one...I have never had to show my Social Security to ANYONE much less an employer; banker; mortgage application; car loan, etc.

Passport will be replaced...
My driver's license is now a hologram'd picture card... why anyone would want that escapes me...it looks like a "mug shot"

Close Julies, but I live in the first city up I-94 that wouldn't be considered a suburb of the Cities, and this happened in a rural area about north of there. Don't want to get too specific, but the river we were paddling was the Mississippi and the nearest town is a village called Rice.

>>>>>>>
Rufus wrote:
Unless something has changed in the last month or so, it should not take anywhere near 6 weeks, let alone 6 months, to get a replacement soc sec card (same number). I lost mine and I had my new one in 10 days.
<<<<<<<<<

If you read the original message, the OP was talking about getting a NEW SSN (i.e. different number). There's no way that this can be done in 10-days. It'll be months before this can be done and it won't be "a piece of cake".

bill boy--if you read the ongoing messages, there was also discussion of getting a replacement card. That is what I was referring to.

So sorry, Worktowander. We've had the same thing happen to students here in IL- and one time on a day trip to Chicago- within a couple of blocks from WaterTower.

And although I am a peer of jody and not retired, I can say that I have HAD to display my SS card at least 9 or 10 times in my working lifetime. In Chicago for any Federal or City job, I know it has always been required, and in Academics, even more so. There has been that kind of regulation here for many reasons and not the lest is because of incoming illegal alien hiring etc. problems. And like most institutions nationally our college has also had to change from a SS # based system during the last 2 or 3 years to a system based on an ID# issued by the institution itself.

My son just had to have a replacement SS card issued himself because he had to display the card upon subbing in a different school system.

The card shouldn't be carried but stored in a safety deposit box with other important papers like birth certificates etc., IMHO. A weird detail-the card reads "Do not laminate" now. At one time we had to show them so much we used to laminate them free at our library facility.

My boss had to show his SS card when he signed up for Medicare. Two years later, when his wife had her Medicare enrollment appointment, they didn't ask to see her card. Who knows what the rule is, but I won't be shreading my SS card. BTW, I keep it in my safe deposit box so that I won't lose it.

-Update on Social Security card-

So get this:

I met with the banker today to open new accounts (this is the same banker who thinks I need a new SSN). She was talking about how we should monitor the new accounts online daily or more often to detect any misuse (we already do) and that she would be monitoring it weekly for the same reason.

And, to provide extra security, she my DH and I should expect to be asked for extensive ID if we withdraw cash at the bank (not ATM). They even set up a password we'll have to give along with the "extensive ID."

So what's the ID we'll need to show? A drivers license AND A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD!!!

Irony, anyone?

OMG Worktowander, don't you just want to start banging your head against the nearest wall?? And you said what to her? BTW, maybe I missed it it your post...question, what has the Social Security Office advised or suggested?

No word from SSA, other than their Web site saying they won't change numbers unless there's evidence of fraud (or some other problems that don't apply to my case).

I said nothing to the banker. I was in shock.

No word from SSA, other than their Web site saying they won't change numbers without evidence of fraud. Anyway, I can't apply for a new card until I get my new drivers license.

I said nothing to the banker. I was in shock.

Apologies for the double post. It didn't appear as if the first one took, so I posted again. My bad.

Hi worktowander, have you called via the telephone the Social Security Office? I would, for what it is worth.

SS numbers have been taken off of MANY types of identification--health insurance, college meal cards, etc. I don't think I've received a new Medicare card. I remember a time I was going to sign up for a credit card at a store to get the immediate 10% discount. She wanted my SS # and I flatly refused.
I am really sorry for the OP--that is a nightmare. But you might be dealing with a crime of opportunity--just wanting the money and perhaps a fast credit card use, but no "skill" in ID theft.

Workto--did you check out the alternative IDs you can use to get a replacement SS card?

Worktowander – regarding your Social Security card. Your driver’s license is only one of many things that you can use in order to get a replacement card.

See: http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/...mp;p_topview=1

You need an original document that is fairly recent. You can use a life insurance policy, a paystub, a bill from your doctor. As long as it shows your entire name as it was shown in your Social Security number.

In most cases, when a SSN is lost, a bank usually closes that account and starts a new one.

If you need more help re SSA you can email me at this address at any time:

[email protected]

Replacement SSNs and other FAQs from SSA website--including most popular baby names back to 1880.

http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/...p_sid=RpzzxRRh

Well, I'll be jiggered.

I got a call yesterday (almost 7 months after my car was broken into and my purse stolen) from a nice off-duty policeman who works in a town about 60 miles north of here.

After identifying himself, he said he had been in a state park even farther north Saturday, hunting for morel mushrooms, and he found my purse in the brush. Would I like it back?

Well, heck yeah. Everything had been replaced, but I was curious about what might be left.

So I drove up there today and picked it up. Aside from the money, checkbook, credit cards, driver's license and other ID, everything was there. EVEN MY BELOVED PASSPORT!!!!

So now I have my travel past back - all those stamps from all those trips. Bliss...

Everything is in pretty bad shape, but all the passport stamps remain readable - I'm so happy to have it back.

Briefly, here's the result of SSN saga, for anyone who might be curious:

I went to the DMV for a new drivers license to start rebuilding my ID (I had literally nothing after the theft). Expecting a nightmare, I was pleasantly surprised. Told them I had no ID but needed a new license. They looked me up in the computer, looked at digital photo they had on file from my last renewal, looked at me, said "Yep, that's you," snapped another photo and I had a driver's licence in about two weeks.

It took another week to get my birth certificate (it's buried in the basement since the last move and we couldn't find it on short notice).

It took about 2 weeks for new Social Security card (banker backed off on that when she heard the SSA didn't just hand out new numbers on request).

It took about 10 weeks to get a new passport after filing the "stolen" paperwork and submitting a new application.

We were fast enough in notifying our credit card companies (within about two hours of the theft) to prevent any fraudulent charges.

The thief did end up writing about $2,700 in bad checks even though we also reported them stolen right away (I wonder what those check scanners checkout clerks use are good for?). He's been caught and charged with felony forgery (using my DH's name). But he wasn't charged with theft since they can't prove he stole the purse.

All told, it cost us about $2,000 to replace the locks on our house, car keys, wallet, documents, prescription sunglasses, purse contents, purse, etc., and a lot of time spent filling out forms, filing affidavits, talking to police and stores that had been taken by the forged checks, and so on.

But I have my mementos back in the form of my passport, so it's all good.