In 2021, a staggering 23.9 million U.S. residents aged 16 or older experienced identity theft, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics.1 With Social Security numbers being a prime target for fraudsters, it’s no wonder some Americans consider changing theirs.
While not a decision to be taken lightly, there are legitimate reasons the Social Security Administration (SSA) may grant you a new number.
Let’s look at these reasons and the process involved.
1. Ongoing Identity Theft Nightmares
If you’ve fallen victim to identity theft and exhausted all other remedies, a new Social Security number might be your last resort. The SSA may approve your request if you can prove that the misuse of your number continues to cause significant problems.
Remember, this isn’t a quick fix—you’ll need to provide extensive documentation of your efforts to resolve the issue.
2. Escaping Abuse or Life-Threatening Situations
Victims of domestic violence, stalking, or other forms of harassment may qualify for a new Social Security number. This change can be crucial for those trying to escape dangerous situations and start fresh.
The SSA takes these cases seriously, recognizing the potential life-saving impact of a new identity.
3. Family Number Mix-Ups
Before 2011, the SSA assigned numbers sequentially, sometimes leading to confusion within families.
If you and a family member have similar numbers causing administrative headaches or fraud issues, you might be eligible for a change. This scenario is less common now but still valid for those affected by older numbering systems.
4. Duplicate Number Dilemmas
In rare cases, the SSA might have accidentally assigned the same number to multiple people. If you find yourself sharing a number with someone else, you can request a new one.
This situation, while uncommon, can cause significant problems with credit reports and tax filings.
5. Religious or Cultural Objections
Some individuals have strong religious or cultural objections to certain numbers or sequences in their Social Security number.
The SSA may consider issuing a new number in these cases, but you’ll need to provide written documentation from a religious group supporting your objection.
6. Clerical Errors & Misuse
If your employer or another entity has misreported your Social Security number, causing ongoing issues, you might have grounds for a change. This situation often arises from clerical errors or deliberate misuse by others.
You’ll need to demonstrate that the problem persists despite your efforts to correct it.
Safeguarding Your New (or Current) Social Security Number
Before we wrap up, let’s explore some crucial steps to protect your Social Security number, whether it’s new or existing.
These practices can help prevent the need for a change in the future.
- Never carry your Social Security card in your wallet or purse
- Avoid giving out your number unless absolutely necessary
- Shred documents containing your Social Security number before disposing of them
- Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts
- Regularly monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity
- Be wary of phishing attempts asking for your Social Security number via email or phone
Implementing these security measures can significantly reduce your risk of identity theft and the potential need for a new Social Security number.
Changing your Social Security number is a serious decision that comes with its own set of challenges. While it can provide a fresh start for those facing severe identity-related issues, it’s crucial to exhaust all other options first and carefully consider the implications before taking this step.
Source:
1. Bureau of Justice Statistics
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
