One social security number was stolen and used by 81 people in 17 states. A housewife living in an affluent suburb realized she had a problem when she got a letter from the IRS saying she owed thousands of dollars in back taxes. What's wrong in this picture is she had not worked since her son was born. Perhaps it's safe to say she is a victim of social security theft.
She also discovered along with false employment in several states her identity was also used to open bank accounts. To add insult to injury, though the government was made aware of these illegal activities; the authorities took little action.
This is an example of a common problem: Thieves are able to steal personal information because employers do not have to verify Social Security numbers or other documents submitted by job seekers.
The IRS can fine employers $50 for each inaccurate number filed. This is a punishment that companies often dismiss as just another cost of doing business.
When she called the IRS, she learned that more than one person had been using her social security number. She was advised that the debt to them would be eliminated, but the agency would have to correct the problem again in future years.
Having done a little investigating of her own, she obtained more than 200 W-2 and 1099 tax forms that contained her social security number but different names. Most of the people who used her identification number worked multiple jobs in the same year, though some remained at the same company for several years. The top wage earner made $39,465, but most reported income of less than $15,000. She tracked down other people, finding that her number had been used to get work but not to access her credit card or bank accounts.
What started as a hassle turned into a major headache earlier this year when she sought work through a temp agency that learned her Social Security number had been used by a woman in Texas two years earlier. The agency could not hire her for more than a month while the situation was clarified.
Her number became so compromised that Social Security officials finally took a rare step used only in extreme cases: They gave her a new one. "It's like you are guilty until proven innocent." "How do you prove that you are you?" Be proactive when it comes to social security theft.
Do you want to take the risk of being a victim of the fastest growing crime? Would you like to have the best of the best when it comes to preventing identity theft? They do not just give you a kit in the mail to do it yourself. You will have a licensed investigator assigned to you from the world's leading risk consulting company assist you every step of the way if you become a victim in any of the 5 areas of identity theft. http://www.Identity-Theft-411.info
Eric is a Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist (CITRMS). You may find more information at http://www.Identity-Theft-411.info
Good hit on this subject. I have written about this problem at least 20 times over the years. Everyone should be aware about this problem and your article will help educate. JP Bender
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