ITRC Solution 27 - Someone working as you

When someone is working using your information, problems will be created with the Social Security Administration (SSA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and possibly the state tax authorities. You may become aware of the situation upon (1) receiving a notice from the IRS stating that you owe money due to income generated by someone working as you or (2) you apply for a government benefit and find out somebody is working as you.

The following steps are recommended:

Social Security Administration

• Contact the Social Security Administration and request a Form 7050, “Non-Certified Detailed Earning Information Report.” This includes periods of employment and the names and addresses of employers. You will need to 1) indicate the year/s in question, and 2) explain why you need the information.
  
• This form can be obtained by calling the SSA toll-free at 1-800-772-1213, going into a field office or requesting it online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ssa-7050.pdf. There should be no fee since you suspect fraudulent activity.
  • Check it for accuracy, especially in the listings of jobs and employers.
  • Check the earnings section against your yearly W2s.
  • Be aware that some employers have parent companies and those companies may be listed as “your” employer. Check with the companies you have worked for to verify information.
• File SSA Form 7008 to correct any errors in your work history or earnings. It is recommended that you do this at a SSA field office. The form can be found at: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ssa-7008.pdf
  
• Only contact the Office of Inspector General of the SSA if you suspect misuse of your SSN that involves buying or selling Social Security cards, or may involve people with links to terrorist groups or activities.

Internal Revenue Service

If someone is working as you, income would have been reported to the IRS. You should also check with your state for possible state tax issues.

• Contact the federal IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit, toll-free at
  800-908-4490.
  
• File a police report or fill out an IRS Identity Theft affidavit (Form 14039). When sending in, please provide a copy of at least one form of a federal or state-issued identification (i.e. driver’s license, Social Security card, passport)
  
• You also may contact the IRS Taxpayer Advocate if you have an unresolved issue related to identity theft, or you have suffered, or are about to suffer a significant hardship as a result of the administration of the tax laws, i.e. wage garnishment. Visit the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) http://www.taxtoolkit.irs.gov/Identify_Theft.cfm
  
• For additional information, visit the IRS.gov website: www.irs.gov/privacy/article/0,,id=186436,00.html
  
• Contact the Franchise Tax Board or the Secretary of State for the states where the fraudulent work occurred. Send them any documentation they may require.

Credit Reports

In some cases, this person may have also applied for credit using your Social Security number. It is important to contact the three Credit Reporting Agencies to place a fraud alert and order your free copy of your credit reports. ITRC Solution 03 – Contacting CRA’s to Place A Fraud Alert

Check reports carefully for any fraudulent activity.
Send all documentation Certified Mail Return Receipt.

Copyright 2009, Identity Theft Resource Center ®, Created by the ITRC staff