Changing Your Social Security Number

Consumers want to know with the rising risk of Identity Theft, can a person change their social security number?

If someone has stolen your identity -for example, a parent, child or former spouse who knows your social security number- and continues to harass you, it may be in your best interest to do so. The SSA will not allow you a new SSN in order to avoid legal or credit responsibility. You still must be a responsible consumer and properly maintain your credit. SSN changes are looked down upon by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and are only allowed in the most extreme cases. Just because your card is in the hands of those who are untrustworthy doesn’t mean you automatically qualify. You will have to prove that the person is not only abusing your number but that the abuse is causing you harm.      

How to change your SSN?

You can change your SSN at your local Social Security office, free of charge. Bring any and all proof of misuse as well as any documents proving that you were harmed due to the misuse; this includes police reports, credit dispute, statements from your credit consultant or counselor or any other evidence. You will not be allowed a new number unless you prove that you have done anything and everything you could to fix the problem.