What Happens in SSN-Based Identity Theft?
When your Social Security Number (SSN) is dumped and sold on marketplaces like feshop, it’s usually bundled in what’s called a “Fullz”—a full identity package including:
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Full name
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SSN
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Date of birth
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Address
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Phone number
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Possibly banking or credit data
This data can be used to:
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Open credit cards or loans in your name
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File fraudulent tax returns
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Access medical services
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Commit employment or benefits fraud
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Rent properties or buy phones fraudulently
✅ Steps to Recover from SSN Identity Theft
1. 🆘 Act Immediately
The sooner you act, the less damage can be done.
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Place a fraud alert with one of the three major credit bureaus:
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Equifax: equifax.com
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Experian: experian.com
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TransUnion: transunion.com
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Once one bureau is notified, they alert the others automatically.
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Consider placing a credit freeze, which prevents any new accounts from being opened in your name.
2. 📃 Get a Free Credit Report
Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to request a free credit report from all three major bureaus. Look for:
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New accounts you didn’t open
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Hard inquiries you didn’t authorize
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Changes to your personal info
3. 🛑 Report the Identity Theft
Report the incident to both government and law enforcement agencies:
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FTC (Federal Trade Commission):
File at identitytheft.gov. They’ll give you a recovery plan and identity theft affidavit. -
Local Police Department:
File a police report if the fraud caused financial damage, especially if a creditor or institution requires it.
4. 💳 Contact Affected Creditors
Reach out to banks, lenders, or card issuers that may have fraudulent accounts opened in your name. Provide:
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A copy of your FTC affidavit
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Police report (if required)
Most institutions have fraud departments dedicated to closing unauthorized accounts and reversing charges.
5. 🛡️ Notify the IRS
If your SSN was used to file a fake tax return:
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File IRS Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit)
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Contact the IRS Identity Protection Unit: 1-800-908-4490
They may assign you a PIN to prevent future fraudulent tax filings.
6. 🏥 Check for Medical Identity Theft
Medical identity theft can result in:
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Fraudulent treatments
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Wrong health records
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Insurance fraud
Request medical records from your providers and health insurance company. Alert them if anything looks off.
7. 💼 Monitor Your SSN Long-Term
Sign up for identity theft monitoring services that watch your:
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SSN usage
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Credit report changes
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Dark web breaches
Some reputable services include:
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LifeLock
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Aura
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IdentityForce
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Experian IdentityWorks
8. 🧾 Keep Detailed Records
Document everything you do:
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Phone calls
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Letters sent/received
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Names of agents you spoke to
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Account numbers and timestamps
This helps if disputes arise or you need to escalate the case.
⚖️ Can You Get a New SSN?
In very rare and extreme cases—if your SSN is permanently compromised and causing ongoing harm—you can apply for a new one through the Social Security Administration. But this is very difficult to get approved and not a guaranteed fix (your old SSN may still be linked to records).
🧠 Key Takeaways
| ✅ DO | ❌ DON’T |
|---|---|
| Act quickly | Ignore signs of fraud |
| Freeze your credit | Keep using breached accounts |
| Report to the FTC and police | Assume it’ll fix itself |
| Monitor your reports | Use random SSN lookup tools |
| Stay organized | Trust unsolicited “repair” services |
❓Still Worried?
If you’re unsure what to do next or overwhelmed by the process, I can help you create:
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A step-by-step personal action plan
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Template dispute letters
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Tips for dealing with lenders and bureaus
