Identity theft is a serious business. One of the ways your stolen identity can be used is to get a job, using your Social Security number.
Valerie RumboughThis can be obtained by either stealing your purse or wallet, posing as someone who needs information about you through a phone call or e-mail, looking through your trash, or accessing information you provide to an unsecured Internet site.
If your Social Security number is used in this manner, that person’s employer may report income earned by them to the IRS using your Social Security number, thus making it appear that you did not report all of your income on your tax return.
If this happens, you will receive a letter from the IRS stating the discrepancy and billing you for the additional income tax due. If you receive such a letter from the IRS, respond immediately to the contact information on the letter.
You can help protect yourself from being a victim in this manner. Make sure you don’t throw away documents that contain personal information, such as your Social Security number, account numbers, etc.
Don’t carry your Social Security card or credit cards with you, except when you know you will need them. Don’t respond to e-mails or telephone calls asking for personal information.
For more information on how to prevent identity theft, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov and search for “identity theft.”
To learn how to identify a secure website, visit the Federal Trade Commission website at www.onguardonline.gov and follow the links. Be safe!
– Rumbough, CPA, CFP, is chief operations officer with the Baptist Foundation of South Carolina. Contact her at 800-723-7242. In accordance with IRS Circular 230, any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.