Should I Apply for a New Social Security Number?

Following their role as a victim in an identity theft issue, many consumers become quite protective towards their information. Some consumers will even develop a slight paranoia, which is completely reasonable after going through such a predicament. As a precaution, it is common for these people to inquire about changing their SSN, as this will protect earlier perpetrators from performing the same actions.

In most cases, this severe move is quite unnecessary. Most thefts are performed by an individual, who would have been prosecuted if caught. Therefore, it is unlikely for another incident to occur as a result of the first.

Rather than helping you, this action will merely bring more hardships that must be handled. The application for a new Social Security number is an extensive process in itself, without considering the various agencies which must be contacted regarding this change. Even with this, you do not receive a new identity, merely a new identifier. Often times, the credit bureaus will combine the information, resulting in suspicion by potential creditors as to your identity issues.

Because of this, application for a new SSN should only be considered in cases of reoccurring problems. In such circumstances as this is necessary, the Social Security Administration will issue you a new number, provided that they concur with your request.  Regardless, this option should be considered very carefully.