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Thefts and frauds on social security statements are increasing. One common theft is employment identity theft. It happens due to the social security number. Let’s see more!
Employment identity theft is dangerous. It occurs when a thief steals an SSN. SSN is a social security number. So, the thief becomes aware of your information. He applies for a job in place of your name.
It often occurs when the applicant is disqualified, and is related to a work position or a job application. The person might have a poor history of employment and credit reports.
They might have difficulty with background checks. Contact the Internal Revenue Service when employment identity theft occurs. You can also file an official identity theft report or police report.
Here, the victim is a real job applicant. So, the victim has to pay taxes. The tax depends on the income that they didn’t earn. Employment identity theft results in an IRS audit. The authorities might also adjust social security benefits.
It depends on the false income linked to you. They work hard to restore their real identity. So, it’s important to connect with government agencies.
They help to correct and recover the false information. One agency agency is are Federal Trade Commission. It includes IRS and Social Security admission. Yet, there are many steps.
You can take these steps to save yourself from such conditions. It helps in avoiding employment identity theft. What is employment identity theft? Let’s look at the details.
1. What Is Employment Identity Theft
It is a common theft. A thief steals your information or credentials. Yet, they mainly steal the social security number. You don’t have the knowledge when they steal the SSN.
The main goal behind employment identity theft is gaining employment with a false identity. The victim failed to report the stolen information. It’s a serious identity theft in today’s generation. Yet, many people suggest it’s a dangerous form of identity theft.
This interaction can happen at any point in time. For example, an employer uses false information. It’s to pass a test or interview.
They also do this to get a job position. Also, they are not qualified to pass it. So, thieves use the info to commit a crime. But, they pretend to be someone else. The real victim is mainly innocent. But they suffer the consequences.
It’s important to have protection against employment identity theft. That’s because it occurs in many ways. So, always use precautions to avoid it. Here are a few ways about its occurrence. Let’s see!
1.01 Stealing Personal Information
The thief steals your personal info. This information includes name or date of birth. It always includes a social security number. It might also include employee information or a driver’s license. They get this information. Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks. Beware of malicious software that gains access.
They get this information without your knowledge. For example, they occur during phishing scams. They also occur during data breaches. Also, they might steal the documents physically. Overall, they result in employment identity theft.
1.02 False Employment
Now you know what is employment identity theft. But what’s the main goal? They do it to get employment.
That’s how they work with another employer. So, they start with job applications. Also, they submit resumes. They fill out the stolen information. That’s how they pass tax forms. Also, that’s how they pass background checks.
1.03 Fraud And Tax
Then the thief gets employment. It’s with the help of false information. So, they receive the income in the victim’s name. Sometimes, they file for tax results. They use the victim’s information for this step too.
So, they receive the refunds of tax. They also get credits. But, they are not entitled to get them. So, the victim’s refund is denied. They don’t get the income or refund that belongs to them.
1.04 Consequences
It generates consequences. These are for both victims and employers. The victim gets the most damage. It decreases their credit. It results in tax problems. Also, it creates legal issues. In addition, they face employment challenges.
It damages their real identity. It generates wrong credit and tax reports. Yet, employers also face consequences. That occurs when government authorities catch them. They face financial consequences. They also face legal consequences. It includes penalties and fines.
So, it’s important to have protection. You must have awareness of your surroundings. Always keep your personal information safe. Manage your credit and tax reports. So, don’t give important personally identifiable information out to an unknown person.
Some people pretend to be others. Report unusual activity to government authorities. Also, employers should take measures. The hiring process should have strong verification.
2. Protection against Employment Identity Theft
It’s a popular yet dangerous identity theft. The fraud steals the social security number. Now, you already know how it occurs.
Also, you know its dangerous level. So, it’s important to have protection strategies. Here is how to protect against employment identity theft. Let’s see them!
2.01 Personal Information Safeguard
Always safeguard personal information. So, don’t share personal information unnecessarily. These include bank details and social security numbers. Also, don’t provide your home address or date of birth. A single personal interaction can result in fraud and theft. Always offer the information to trusted parties offering otherwise is dangerous.
2.02 Use Securing Passwords
Don’t use your personal information as a password. Use a potent combination of words. These passwords are for social media and emails. It’s for all online accounts. You can also use a password generator.
They help in making strong passwords. Also, use two-factor authentication. It helps in adding an extra protection layer. It is a two-step verification. This helps in securing online accounts effectively.
2.03 Mail And Documents
Dispose of mail and documents carefully. Especially, if they contain personal information. They can contain SSN or bank credentials. Have a mailbox that is located. Don’t give the password to someone when it’s not necessary. It helps in preventing thefts and frauds.
2.04 Credit Reports Monitoring
Always have free copies of credit card reports. Update these copies at regular intervals of time. Also, be conscious of suspicious activity. Always report if you see unauthorized activity.
You can also have credit monitoring services. They offer real-time alerts. So, you get to know immediately if there are sudden changes.
2.05 Tax Return Management
Always plan and manage tax records properly. So, pay attention if there’s any suspicious activity. These changes can occur from fraud or any agency. Don’t delay tax returns.
File them! It helps in determining employment identity thrift especially when they file fraudulent tax returns with your name.
2.06 Social Security Card
Always remember your social security number. Don’t write it down and forget it. It’s of no use! Also, keep the card in a safer place. Don’t carry it if not necessary. Report to receive government benefits. It helps to avoid phishing scams and serious crimes. Keep personally identifiable information confidential. Identity thieves and employment fraud get sensitive information from the dark web.
2.07 Phishing Scams
Scams and frauds are increasing. One example is phishing scams. Don’t respond to insecure emails. Also, don’t answer suspicious phone calls. They request personal information.
Also, they pretend to be someone else. Mostly, you believe them and give your information. It results in fraud. You are left with but an empty bank account.
Also, don’t click unknown links. It just takes a second for a theft to occur. Also, don’t fill in personal details on any website. Make sure they are authentic.
2.08 Employment History
Review employment history regularly. Look at the job positions and qualifications. Ensure that they are original and belong to you. Also, get a copy of the social security earnings statement.
Social Security Administration provides it. Yet, report the authorities if you notice some suspiciousness.
2.09 Suspect And Report
Report them to the respective authorities. Don’t waste time on anything. Yet, delaying reporting results in worse consequences.
You can also report to federal trade commissions. Also, contact IPSU in case you have suspicions of tax records.
2.10 Fraud Alert
Requesting a credit card freeze is another option. Major credit bureaus offer this service. It provides an extra security layer to the credit reports. So, employment identity theft becomes challenging to occur.
Also, they can’t open any account in your name. What is employment identity theft? So, these are the best precautions for identity theft protection. It reduces the probability of employment identity theft. Also, it reduces damage chances.
3. Key Note
Employment identity theft is a very big concern in the society. It is an increasing fraud. And people know less about it. Thieves stole your social security number and bank statements. Also, they steal other information. These are name and date of birth.
They can also steal other information like bank details. So, they apply for employment eligibility. That’s because they are not eligible to apply. They pretend to be your identity thief.
So, you are the victim of security risks. They get income in place of you. Also, they file for income tax returns. They get the credits and refunds that you are supposed to have. So, beware!
Last Updated on by Suchi
