For some people, the wakening occurs with a letter from the Internal Revenue Service. You file your taxes claiming all the income from your W-2, but the IRS has a record of another job where you work. The IRS thinks you’re trying to cheat them, and the IRS doesn’t like when people try to cheat them.
What’s really happening here is someone else is using your Social Security number. Doing so has allowed him to obtain a job despite his criminal record. You’ve never had any legal trouble, so he’ll pass his background check. Or maybe he’s an illegal immigrant; that’s no longer a problem for him because you born in the US. Pretty soon, with his new job and your good credit, he’ll be able to lease an apartment or get a new car. How would you know?
Your Social Security number is the Rosetta Stone. With it, someone else can learn all about your family, your work, your health, and your finances. He can paint a fairly good picture of who you are, and the life you lead. Your Social Security number allows an identity thief to practically become you.
Pretty soon, with his new job and your good credit, he’ll be able to lease an apartment or get a new car. How would you know?
Social Security fraud is a broad term for many different types of acts. Receiving medical care with the use of someone else’s Social Security number, using another’s SSN for credit, or to get a job, or receive disability benefits are all forms of Social Security fraud.
According to the Social Security Administration, “Misuse of another individual’s SSN is a violation of federal law and may lead to fines and/or imprisonment and disregarding the work authorization provisions printed on your Social Security card may be a violation of federal immigration law. Violations of applicable law regarding Social Security number fraud and misuse are serious crimes and will be prosecuted.”
The best way to detect the misuse of your SSN is by close examination of your W-2 and annual Social Security Statement of Benefits. Compare the two and make sure there are no discrepancies.
To obtain a copy of your Statement of Benefits call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
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