What do I do if someone tried to use my Social Security number?

If you believe someone is using your Social Security number to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes, contact the IRS online or call 1-800-908-4490. You can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).

How do you check 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.

What to do if your Social Security number is stolen?

Data breach victims should submit a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, only if your Social Security number has been compromised and your efile return was rejected as a duplicate or IRS has informed you that you may be a victim of tax-related identity theft.

What should I do if someone uses my Social Security number fraudulently?

If you receive a notice from the IRS that leads you to believe someone may have used your SSN (or ITIN) fraudulently, please notify the IRS immediately by responding to the contact at the number printed on the notice or letter.

How do I report identity theft to the government?

If you want to report identity theft, where someone used your personal information, including your Social Security number, to get a loan or job, file a tax return, or conduct other business, please visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft page. This guides you through each step of the recovery process.

Where can I get help with identity theft questions?

These IRS employees are available to answer questions about identity theft and resolve any tax account issues that resulted from identity theft. Review Publication 5027, Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers, for more information. It’s available in English and Spanish . Taxes.