General Question

rockfan's avatar

What is the first thing I should do if I have given my social security number to a scam website?

Asked by rockfan (14627points) August 31st, 2020 from iPhone

I feel like an absolute moron. I fell for a scam email from “Amazon” saying that I needed to update my billing info. It was a remarkable coincidence that I had tried to order something the other day and changed by billing address.

I entered in my SSN.

What is the first thing I should do? I’ve already cancelled all my credit cards and contacted amazon and changed my password.

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8 Answers

SergeantQueen's avatar

This talks about phone calls but It is still relevant

Try and notify banks, credit companies, etc
Report to police
Place a fraud alert on your credit

LuckyGuy's avatar

Do a credit freeze with the 3 credit monitoring companies. Experion. Trans..? I’ve never done it but you can call your bank and they will tell you.
This will be a mess. I’m sorry.
Do it quickly!

SergeantQueen's avatar

I want to add, make a police report because it can be used down the line if something happens and you need proof of a report. But call your bank first thing and make sure you do the credit freeze @LuckyGuy said.

It’s TransUnion and Equifax as well as experion @LuckyGuy

Keep track of all purchases, and check every report you get from any bank and credit company. Also, screenshot the email and report it to FTC.

You might also be able to call the SSA? And let them know? They could also direct you as well.

LuckyGuy's avatar

Thanks you @SergeantQueen. I was drawing a blank and did not want to waste time looking it up since speed is of the essence. Fresh numbers are worth much more than one day old info. That means the hacker is either trying to sell it or already has.
@rockfan needs to kill it fast.

si3tech's avatar

Get hold Social Security tell them.

rockfan's avatar

Worked like a mad man the last two hours and got everything done you guys suggested. Thanks.

JLeslie's avatar

I agree credit freeze. Here is some info. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/credit-lock-and-credit-freeze

This is the federal government website about freezing your credit. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0497-credit-freeze-faqs

Inspired_2write's avatar

Phone Amazon customer service number and TALK to a rep.

I had similar experience years ago and was told that all the scammer could do was get id etc and while using your SS number your employment earnings would show up on your records to be calculated in determining your Pension.
In the end when I retired it was noted that someone must had done this to me as it showed me working two jobs in two different cities at the same time…so deduced that it was stolen identity..in my favor.
Since I had filed for bankruptcy during economic downturn in the 1980’s, that “kind of screwed” the scammers from using my id for 7 years.
I have since regained good credit rating etc and now better security in place.

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