IdentityTheft.gov is the federal government’s one-stop resource for identity theft victims. The site provides streamlined checklists and sample letters to guide you through the recovery process.
Click the square to print the above check list.
| Identity Theft Printable Guide.pdf |
If your social security number is being used by someone to gain employment
In addition to dealing with credit bureaus and creditors, you may also need to do the following:
In addition to dealing with credit bureaus and creditors, you may also need to do the following:
- Get a copy of your Social Security earnings record. You can order a copy online at www.ssa.gov. It will be mailed to you, and you will have to pay a fee. Or, for an immediate free copy, you can visit your local Social Security office. You can review your earnings record with a Social Security representative in person.
- If your Social Security earnings record shows that your earnings are more per year than they should be, go in person to your local Social Security office. Meet with a Social Security representative and explain the situation. They should issue a corrected earnings report.
- Report the matter to your local police or sheriff's department and get a copy of your police report.
- When a person is using your Social Security number to get a job, you may receive a letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) stating that you have failed to report income or asking you to explain why two tax returns were filed under your Social Security number. Write a response letter to the IRS explaining the situation. Send your response to the address noted in the letter you received. Attach a copy of your police report, your corrected Social Security earnings report, documents proving your address and your employer, and a copy of your state issued identification card. A tax examiner will review your response and will contact you to assist in resolving the situation.
- The IRS now has an Identity Protection Specialized Unit to assist victims of identity theft with tax related problems. Call them toll free at 1-800-908-4490. Ask to have your Social Security number flagged so that you do not have to respond to the same issue every year.
- If you continue to have tax problems due to your identity theft, you can also ask for help from the United States Taxpayer Advocate. To request assistance, fill out an IRS form 911, and send it to the IRS at the address listed on the form instructions. Form 911 can be obtained from the IRS at www.irs.gov. You can also reach the Taxpayer Advocate toll free at 1-877-777-4778.
| Financial Crime Fact Sheet.pdf |