Can I sue someone for using my social security?
Asked by: Prof. Rowena Adams | Last update: December 14, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (54 votes)
You can sue an individual for stealing your identity, or for the unauthorized use of your Social Security number (SSN). But before you can take them to court, they need to be caught and convicted of the crime.
What happens if someone uses my Social Security?
Scammers use your Social Security number (SSN) to get other personal information about you. They can use your SSN 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.
Can someone go to jail for using your Social Security?
Depending on the circumstances, this can bring the full weight of the federal government upon you. For example, using someone else's Social Security number to open a bank account is classified as “aggravated identity theft” under federal law and can lead to substantial prison time.
What is the penalty for misuse of Social Security?
If convicted, the penalties for violating a provision of the Social Security Act or a related law of the federal criminal code include a fine, prison, or both. The fines can range from $500 to $10,000. Federal prison time can vary from 5 to 15 years, depending upon the specific law violated.
Can you report someone for using your Social Security number?
Identity Theft: If you think an identity thief is using your SSN to work or to collect benefits, call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. If you think someone may be using your SSN to work, check your Social Security Personal Earnings and Benefit Statement.
Can I sue someone for using my picture?
How do I report someone misusing my Social Security?
How To Report Fraud. Do you suspect someone of committing fraud, waste, or abuse against Social Security? You can submit a report online at oig.ssa.gov or contact the OIG's fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271.
Can you sue someone for having your Social Security number?
If someone has stolen your identity, you might be wondering if you can sue them. The short answer is yes––you can sue someone for identity theft.
What is considered misuse of SSI?
In cases where a representative payee is appointed to manage benefits on behalf of a beneficiary, using those funds for personal gain or failing to use them for the beneficiary's needs constitutes a serious misuse. A representative payee is a fiduciary who is obliged to use the funds for the recipient's benefit.
Is it illegal to take a picture of someone's Social Security card?
Social security cards contain sensitive information and are considered personal property. In California, there are various laws that deal with privacy, unauthorized use of personal identifying information, and identity theft.
What triggers an SSDI investigation?
The SSA may investigate if there are suspicions of fraud, including: Providing false information on your application. Misrepresenting your disability or exaggerating symptoms. Failing to disclose information that may affect your eligibility.
How do I stop someone from using my Social Security?
If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).
Can my husband use my Social Security number without my consent?
If someone opened up accounts in my name without my permission, is this identity theft? If anyone, including a spouse, family member, or intimate partner, uses your personal information to open up an account in your name without your permission, this could be considered identify theft.
Who can touch your Social Security?
Government agencies, employers and creditors have the authority to garnish a portion of your Social Security benefits to cover unpaid debts. For example, under the Consumer Credit Protection Act, an employer can withhold earnings for child support payments if a court order mandates it.
How much does it cost to change your Social Security number?
Social Security Number Services are Always Free.
How do I check if my SSN is being used?
- Check your credit reports. ...
- Review your mySocialSecurity account. ...
- Go through your junk mail. ...
- Be wary of calls from debt collectors. ...
- Review your bank statements.
Does reporting identity theft do anything?
A police report provides you with a document saying you've been a victim. This can help you when requesting a 7-year extended fraud alert on your credit reports. This type of fraud alert requires a police or FTC Identity Theft Report. To request an extended fraud alert on your Equifax credit report, download this form.
Can I sue someone for using my photo without permission?
You could bring a lawsuit by accusing the defendant of an invasion of privacy by appropriation of your likeness, a process known as right to publicity. This law allows you to control and profit from the commercial use of your image, name and persona or your identity.
Can someone go to jail for using your Social Security number?
Identity theft is a felony crime. You could incur substantial fines worth thousands of dollars if you face a conviction. You might also receive a prison sentence of up to 20 years, depending on the circumstances of your case.
What is the last 4 digits of the Social Security number?
The first three digits are the area number. The next two digits are the group number. The final four digits are the serial number.
What can cause you to lose your SSI?
Exit from the SSI program can be due to death, medical recovery, excess income (earned or unearned), excess resources, or a change in living arrangements. In many cases, for instance when dealing with excess income, payments are suspended.
Does SSI watch your bank account?
If you're receiving or applying for SSI, the SSA has the legal authority to check your bank accounts to ensure you meet the program's strict resource limits. These reviews help the government ensure that benefits go to those who truly need them.
Can you sue Social Security for negligence?
Wrongful Termination of Benefits: If your benefits have been terminated unjustly, you can appeal that decision and potentially file a lawsuit, if necessary. Negligence or Misconduct: If you believe that the SSA's actions or inactions have caused you harm or financial loss, you may explore the option of legal action.
How do I file a lawsuit against Social Security?
File a civil action with the closest U.S. district court. Use certified or registered mail to send copies of the complaint and court summons to the Social Security General Council office in your area.
What's the worst thing someone can do with your Social Security number?
An identity thief who has your social security number and other personal information could do a number of things with it, including: Open new credit accounts, like credit cards or car loans, in your name. Claim tax refunds that rightfully belong to you. Create a fake identity to get a job, apartment, or other services.
How do I report misuse of Social Security benefits?
- Internet: https://oig.ssa.gov/report.
- U.S. Mail: Social Security Fraud Hotline.
- Fax: (410) 597-0118.
- Telephone: 1-800-269-0271 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
- TTY: 1-866-501-2101 for the deaf or hard of hearing.