Common questions

Should I throw away my old Social Security card?

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Should I throw away my old Social Security card?

Almost everyone has records containing personal information (Social Security number, financial information, medical history, etc.) around their home. You can help protect yourself from identity theft by properly destroying your old paper and digital records when you no longer need them.

Is it safe to throw away personal documents?

All they need is access to your old mail, credit cards, and debit cards. “Bank statements, credit card statements and other documents that contain your personal information should never be disposed of in an insecure manner,” says Debbie Guild, chief security officer at PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

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What should happen if you lose or have stolen your Social Security card or number?

If your Social Security card or number (SSN) is lost or stolen, you should immediately contact your local police department and the Social Security Administration (call toll-free 1-800-772-1213) to let them know about the incident.

What if someone has your SSn?

A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, when they use the credit cards and don’t pay the bills, it damages your credit.

What do I do with my old SS card?

We will accept an identity document in your old name that has expired. If you do not have an identity document in your prior name, we may accept an unexpired identity document in your new name as long as we can properly establish your identity in our records. We can accept only certain documents as proof of identity.

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Can I destroy my Social Security card?

The new Medicare cards will replace the old ones that contain a Social Security number. DO NOT, however, destroy your old Social Security card. Keep the blue Social Security card.

Where can I destroy documents?

With shredding services available at The UPS Store locations nationwide, you can get rid of your personal and business documents using one of the leading document destruction vendors, Iron Mountain®. Shred your items to help protect yourself and your business from identity theft.

How can I get rid of old bank statements without a shredder?

10 Amazing Ways to Get Rid of Confidential Documents Without a Shredder

  1. Shred the Waste Using Your Hand.
  2. Burn the Confidential Waste.
  3. Compost the Confidential Documents.
  4. Use a Multi-Cut Scissors to Destroy the Confidential Documents.
  5. Soak the Confidential Documents.
  6. Censoring.
  7. Pulping.

How do I lock my SSN?

To lock your Social Security number, visit the U.S. government’s myE-Verify website and complete the necessary steps online. “You’ll need to enter your personal data, take a quiz, enter document data, and then get your results,” says Katie Gampietro Burke, CFP and founder of Wealth by Empowerment.

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Does Social Security return original documents?

We will return the original documents to you. Try to keep a copy of things you send us. Keep track of the dates you send information to us, or talk to us, as well as the name of the Social Security employee with whom you spoke.

What happens if you lose 10 Social Security cards?

You can replace your Social Security card for free if it’s lost or stolen. Avoid service providers wanting to charge you a fee to get your replacement card. Keep in mind that you’re limited to three replacement cards in a year, and 10 during your lifetime.