Q. I lost my wallet a few months ago. I recently discovered that someone used my Social Security number to get credit in my name. Of course, they didn't pay the bills. This has caused me a lot of problems. I have been turned down for credit numerous times. I want to refinance my mortgage, but it may be impossible with this unresolved problem hanging over my head. What should I do? Can I get a new Social Security number?
A. Identity theft can happen when someone loses a wallet or purse. But sometimes thieves are more clever. A thief might pose as a bank officer, Internet service provider, or government employee to persuade an unsuspecting victim to reveal a Social Security number, mother's maiden name, financial account number, or other useful information.
Armed with this information, identity thieves wreak havoc: stealing money, ruining credit histories, and even dirtying police records. Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration can't fix these problems. But there are some steps a victim should take.
First, contact Social Security's Inspector General. That's one of the federal law enforcement agencies that investigate identity theft. Although not every case falls into its jurisdiction, the IG is interested in all cases of identity theft:
Social Security Administration
Office of the Inspector General
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, MD 21235
1-800-269-0271
oig.hotline@ssa.gov
Second, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC isn't a law enforcement agency, but it helps victims resolve problems resulting from identity theft:
Federal Trade Commission
Identity Theft

600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20580
1-877-438-4338
Third -- the hard part -- identity-theft victims must work with each affected creditor, employer and government agency to correct all of their records. Start by contacting the three major credit bureaus:
Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
1-800-525-6285
Trans Union
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92634
1-800-680-7289
Experian
P.O. Box 949
Allen TX 75013-0949
1-888-397-3742
Fourth, under certain limited circumstances, Social Security can issue new numbers to victims of identity theft who have been unsuccessful in resolving problems. This step should be taken only as a last resort: New numbers don't always resolve identity theft problems, and they often create new problems.
For example, a new number doesn't necessarily ensure a clean credit record because credit bureaus may cross-reference the old records with the new number. And when old credit information is not associated with a new number, the lack of credit history can make it difficult to get credit.
Social Security will not assign a new number unless the victim can prove that the old number is being misused -- losing a purse or wallet doesn't automatically make someone a victim of identity theft. The victim must also show that he or she has been disadvantaged by that misuse, and that all other measures failed to resolve the problem.
Can identity theft be avoided? Not always. Even the most prudent consumers can become victims of fraud. Take these steps to minimize your risk:
1. Don't reveal personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you initiated the contact.
2. Shred charge receipts, credit applications, insurance forms, bank statements, old checks and deposit slips, expired charge cards and credit offers.
3. Don't routinely carry Social Security cards -- or even the numbers if you can avoid it. Leave them at home until you need them.