Free Letter to Report Unauthorized Use of a Social Security Number

The Social Security Administration may require that you include proof of your identity theft incident such as photocopies of the ID Theft Affidavit, a filed Police Report, or other documentation.

Photocopies, not the original copies, of any relevant documents should be included with the letter (unless originals are required). You should keep a copy of all written communications and maintain a written summary of all oral communications.

The purpose of this letter is to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) office that your social security number has been misused. The SSA's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has established a Fraud Hotline for reporting social security number misuse. The OIG is a law enforcement branch that investigates cases of identity theft.

In addition to contacting the Fraud Hotline so that a fraud investigation can be started, you should also verify the accuracy of the earnings reported in your social security record. To do this, request a copy of your social security earnings statement. This statement lists all earnings that have been posted to your social security record. To obtain a copy of this statement, use the document entitled Social Security: Request Earnings Statement.

You should receive the statement in 4 to 6 weeks. If there are any errors or discrepancies in the statement, you should immediately notify the Fraud Hotline.

The purpose of this letter is to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) office that your social security number has either been stolen or misused. The SSA's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has established a Fraud Hotline for reporting social security number misuse. The OIG is a law enforcement branch that investigates cases of identity theft.

Before contacting the Fraud Hotline, make sure that you have all of the proper documentation. This documentation should include your name, social security number, date of birth, address, and telephone number. You will also need to provide specific details regarding the alleged misuse. These details may include when and where the fraud occurred, and if you know the person that was involved. With this information, the OIG will conduct an investigation into the alleged misuse.

Generally, you should contact the SSA office prior to sending a the letter. By calling the SSA Fraud Hotline first you can inform them of the improper use and find out any additional documentation that might be needed for your situation. You can then use this letter to confirm the information and send required documents.

In addition to contacting the Fraud Hotline so that a fraud investigation can be started, you should also verify the accuracy of the earnings reported in your social security record. To do this, request a copy of your social security earnings statement. This statement lists all earnings that have been posted to your social security record. To obtain a copy of this statement, use the document entititled Social Security Benefits Letter.

You should receive the statement in 4 to 6 weeks. If there are any errors or discrepancies in the statement, you should immediately notify the Fraud Hotline.

1. The letter should be signed, but it is not necessary that the signature be witnessed or notarized.

2. Be sure to attach any evidence of the identity theft incident, if applicable.

3. Retain a copy of the letter for your records. Keep the original copies of any enclosures, unless you are required to send the originals. If you send an original, keep a copy.

4. Although not required, sending the letter in a manner that can be tracked (e.g., overnight courier or certified mail/return receipt requested) is highly advisable. It may assist you in the event you need evidence of receipt of the letter.

5. After a reasonable amount of time has passed, follow up to make sure that any request action was actually taken.