If you lose your Social Security card, here’s the best way to replace it: Quickly. Bradley Shaw got it right. The Dallas-based digital consultant had his wallet stolen. The wallet contained his Social Security card, driver’s license and credit cards, putting him at a heightened risk of identity theft. Shaw swung into action. “The first thing I did was start to monitor my credit for fraud and abuse,” he says. “I also contacted the major (credit) agencies and let them know to monitor my account.” Shaw got up early and drove to the local Social Security Administration office when it opened to request his replacement card. “I was seen and out of there in about 20 minutes,” he says. “I was provided a letter indicating that a card had been requested, in case I needed to use it. A week or so later my new card arrived.” Success. Knowing how to replace a Social Security card is important. Whether you lose your Social Security card or it’s stolen, you’ll take many of the same steps to request a replacement card and to protect yourself from identity theft. Here’s a closer look at how to replace a Social Security card. Learn more about the risks of a lost card and how to minimize them. Find out your options for getting a replacement card.

Fraud artists can manipulate a stolen or lost Social Security card in a lot of ways—all of which can lead to you taking a major financial hit. Here are three ways they do it.

You can replace a lost or stolen Social Security card by starting with a visit online, a trip to a Social Security office or a phone call. The good news is, the process is straightforward and usually quick. It typically takes about two weeks between the time you report the loss to having a new Social Security card in your hand. Even better news, replacing a lost or stolen Social Security card is free.