What to do if you lose your Social Security Card

To replace a lost or stolen Social Security Card is a similar process to applying for a U.S. Passport, but without the fee. An application, and a minimum of two items of documentation proving identity and citizenship status are required to be mailed or delivered in person to a local Social Security Office. The application is processed through this office and then if approved, a replacement card will be issued. Social Security offices can be found using the Social Security Office locator.

The Social Security Agency requires all documents submitted with a replacement Social Security Card application to be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. For example, if a driver’s license is submitted to prove identity, a copy of that license must be certified as authentic by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Original documents are returned to the applicant after the replacement Taxpayer ID Card is issued. Non-citizen Adults are required to provide authentic work and immigration related documentation.

Typical documents requested include drivers license, U.S. passport, residency card, birth and naturalization certificates. The Social Security Agency may verify some documents with other government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security. Non-expired identity documentation with name, age and a recent photograph of the applicant does not necessarily have to be government issued, however citizenship documentation must be government issued.   

The replacement card issuance takes approximately 7-14 days after having processed the application according to the Social Security Agency. The application processing time is not specified so it may be safe to assume as long as a month with processing. By calling 1-800-772-1213, from 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. on weekdays, applicants can check the processing status of their replacement card. Calling during off peak hours is also recommended.

Since a Social Security Card is an important personal document, the Social Security Agency recommends also filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Internal Crime Complaint Center if the card is stolen. Checking the accuracy of annual Social Security Statements is also advised The Social Security Agency itself states it does not need to be informed of theft if the Social Security Card is stolen.

Social Security Cards may also need to be replaced in the case of marriage or name change to reflect one’s new legal identity. In such case, the risk of identity theft is not as high as when the Taxpayer ID Card is lost or stolen. When changing name for marriage or other purposes, an application is also required, however different documentation is also required to verify the legality of the name change. For example, a marriage certificate to confirm change of last name.

To avoid potential loss or theft several preventive techniques can be utilized. For example, Social Security Cards are often not required for daily activities, but rather during government or employment background checks. For this reason, not carrying a Social Security Card can be a good idea to protect the card from wear and tear, and to protect identity in the case one’s purse or wallet does get stolen. Keeping the card in safe, well-protected place when it is not being carried also protects it from further loss or damage.

Source:  http://tinyurl.com/4q29esl (Social Security Online)

How to prevent Social Security identity theft

Social Security numbers are vulnerable to identity theft that is preventable to an extent. Social Security numbers are often public record, meaning anyone who accesses public records that have your Social Security number on them can acquire it. Also, tax payer identification numbers can be obtained by identity thieves that data mine identifying information. 

Another way an identity thief might begin stealing a Social Security number, is by deducing number information from other personal data. For example, the first three digits of your social security number is geographically based. By identifying the place of residence when the taxpayer identification number was issued, an identity thief may determine the first three digits of your tax payer id. Identity thieves may also attempt to steal your personal hard-copy or digital records to obtain your social security number. The following methods may help prevent social security identity theft.

• State license numbers

Several states allow vehicle license holders to use a number other than a Social Security number as a way to avoid using social security numbers. These numbers can limit exposure of your social security number, and prevent identity theft related to circumstances where identity thieves can access drivers license information.

• Legally required use

Only government agencies and certain programs linked to government regulatory requirements can require a Social Security number. This means, you don't always have to offer your tax payer identification number just because a form asks for it. Employers are legally allowed to request a tax payer identification number for taxation purposes, and in order to validate identity.

• Purge records

The less records that exist with your social security number on them the better it is for protecting against identity theft and ensuring financial security. There may also be supplemental information that can be used to deduce social security numbers, so keeping all personal identification safe is a good idea. Asking businesses or organizations that have retained your social security number to seal or eliminate your records may reduce identity over-exposure.

• Secure belongings

Securing belongings and identity can help prevent Social Security identity theft. For example, when asked for your social security number verify the identity of who is asking for it before offering the information. Other ways to protect social security data is to encrypt files such as digital tax returns, and use access codes for protected files. Keeping physical records safe by locking file cabinets and protecting personal belongings that can be used to identify you.

• Reverse investigate

To be especially diligent about protecting your Social Security identity from theft a reverse investigation can also be performed. This involves searching for data about yourself in such places as credit inquiries, search engine findings, compiling a list of organizations that do have your tax payer identification number and so on. The more information you have the quicker you may be able to track down an identity thief if your social security identity is stolen.

Sources:

1. http://bit.ly/8biCr (Social Security Administration)
2. http://bit.ly/asKI5S (Privacy Rights Clearninghouse)
3. http://bit.ly/xtrbd (U.S. Record Search)
4. http://bit.ly/9eZs3g (Federal Citizen Information Center)
5. http://bit.ly/MKkHW (ARS Technica)

What to do if you receive a counterfeit money order

Counterfeit money orders are fraudulent and should be reported immediately. If the money orders are used for a transaction, the transaction should not be completed. Knowing what to look for and how counterfeit money order scams work is a good start to preventing receipt of counterfeit money orders, but after that time has passed additional measures are necessary.

First, the money order must be identified as counterfeit; section III of this article illustrates how to do that. Following identification of the counterfeit money order, steps should be taken to protect yourself, your money, and your business' money in addition to preventative measures that can help you avoid similar events in the future and/or allow legal action against the fraudulent party.

Steps to take if a money order is identified as fake

The situation of how, where and why a fake money order is received can vary making the process of dealing with the money order different in some cases. For example, if the money order is identified as such during a business transaction the method for dealing with it will be different than if one has received a phony money order through the mail in exchange for a product or service.

Step 1: Don't panic, ask sender for identifiation i.e. driver's license 
Step 2: Record contact and identifying information
Step 3: Stop or cancel the transaction if it's not to late
Step 4: Make a copy of the money order
Step 5: Contact authorities ex. Police or FBI, or Citizen's arrest
Step 6: Inform fraud alert distributors of the crime

Additional fraudulent money order tips

Since money orders vary, the quality and scope of the money order counterfeiting can either be localized, national and in some cases international. There may already be fraud alerts put out for money order counterfeiting so checking these may be of assistance. In all instances, being aware that money order fraud exists and that it can be identified is an important step in prevention of money order fraud victimization.

• Sign up to local and national fraud and scam alert systems
• Do not accept money orders as payment
• Educate yourself on the behavior of fraudsters and scam artists
• Know what physical differences to spot on fake money orders
• React quickly by contacting authorities as soon as possible
• Be willing to press charges and expose those attempting fraud

Identifying counterfeit money orders

Depending on where one is located the types of money orders that may be fake can vary. In the United States several such possibilities exist including counterfeit U.S.P.S. money Orders, 7-11 money orders, Western Union money orders, Credit union, Bank money orders etc. All money orders in the U.S. are not allowed to by issued in an amount higher than $1000.00 and holding a money order under an ultraviolet light may reveal security markings otherwise difficult to see or invisible to the eye. Some fake money order features to look for and/or lack thereof are listed below.

• Faulty or no watermark
• Fake hologram
• Poor ink quality
• Color variation
• No security thread or micro-printing
• Inset fibers may be missing
• Higher than $1000.00 in the United States

Fraud resources links and educational information

The above information was partially sourced from the following resources which may be of additional assistance in preventing, dealing with and counteracting money order counterfeiting.

1. Federal Citizen Scam and Fraud Information Center: http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/scamsdesc.htm
2. Federal Bureau of Investigation: http://www.fbi.gov/majcases/fraud/fraudschemes.htm
3. New York Times article on Postal money order fraud: https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/radDocs/consumer/mofeatur.htm
4. E-How article on identifying fake postal money orders: http://www.ehow.com/how_4489385_recognize-fake-money-order.html
5. Postal Money Order Scam Alert by the Texas Attorney General: http://www.oag.state.tx.us/agency/weeklyag/2006/0706counterfeit.pdf