What are some other ways to prevent identity theft and avoid Social Security fraud?
Being a victim of Social Security fraud — indeed, any form of identity theft — is tough financially and emotionally. Knowing that there is someone out there pretending to be you can be both worrisome and downright infuriating. To avoid such uncomfortable scenarios, you can consider taking any or all of the following steps: • If you suspect that you have become a victim of identity theft, you can implement what is known as a credit freeze, which basically prevents anyone from viewing your credit report for an indefinite period — up to seven years, by law. A security freeze can help prevent identity theft. Most creditors and businesses will not open credit accounts without first checking your credit history. If your credit files are frozen, even someone who has your name and Social Security number won’t be able to get credit in your name. Not all U.S. states allow credit freezes, however, so you’ll want to check the specific rules for the state in which you live. • Consider learning more
