Social Security Table » Identity http://social-security-table.com Mon, 28 Dec 2009 03:53:48 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Social Security Number: a Key to Identity Fraud http://social-security-table.com/social-security-number-a-key-to-identity-fraud/ http://social-security-table.com/social-security-number-a-key-to-identity-fraud/#comments Sat, 26 Dec 2009 23:34:16 +0000 admin http://social-security-table.com/social-security-number-a-key-to-identity-fraud/
Mary Jean Kuda asked:


Social Security has been one of the country’s most successful programs. It aids people from financial uncertainty especially in their trying times.

The program provides several protections such as:

•    progressive benefit formula

•    comprehensive insurance benefits that include disability

•    survivors and retirement benefits

•    spouses’ benefits

•    a cost of living adjustment

•    coverage until death

These protections will be placed at risk if fraud related claims continue to spoil Social Security.

Identity theft using the Social Security numbers (SSNs) is one of the common Social Security frauds that have been weakening the program.

History on the Use of Social Security Numbers

SSNs were first issued in 1936. The federal government assured the public that the use of the numbers would be restricted to Social Security programs such as calculating retirement benefits.

Today, however, SSN has become the de facto general identifier.

Government agencies and private businesses use SSNs even for a wide range of non-Social Security purposes. These purposes include:

•    employee files

•    medical records

•    health insurance accounts

•    credit and banking accounts,

•    university ID cards

•    utility accounts

The use of SSNs as both an identifier and an authenticator makes these numbers highly desirable to fraudulent acts, such as identity theft.

Social Security Fraud by Using SSN

Identity fraud is not all about money. The persistent use of SSNs as an identification mechanism gives the thieves many options.

Identity thieves seek SSNs so they can use these numbers to assume the identity of another person and commit fraud.

A thief can fraudulently use your SSN to assume your identity and gain access not only to your Social Security information but also to your bank accounts, credit accounts, utilities records, and other sources of personal information.

They can also establish new credit and bank accounts in your name, use your SSN for employment purposes or obtain medical care.

How to Prevent Identity Theft

Official efforts are under way to restrict use of SSNs. For instance, the Social Security Administration shortens SSNs on the benefit statements it mails each year.

While essential information can be acquired in credit card, bank accounts and other documents, SSNs are the most common way of getting personal information.

In California, for instance, a birth certificate (or many other types of documents) and a valid SSN are required to get driver’s license or identification card.

The following steps are essential in reducing identity theft using SSNs:

•    Protect your SSN. Provide it only when necessary such as in tax forms, employment records, most banking, stock and property transactions. The SSN is the key to your credit and banking accounts and is the prime target of thieves.

•    If business or establishment requests your SSN, ask if you can use another number instead.

•    Do not have your SSN printed on your checks. Do not let merchants write the SSN onto your checks because of the risk of fraud.

•    Do not utter your SSN aloud when you are in a public place. Speak softly or write it down on a piece of paper instead. Be sure to retrieve and shred that paper after use.

•    Check your Social Security Personal Earnings and Benefits Estimate Statement each year to check for fraud.

•    Do not carry your SSN card in your wallet except for emergencies.

•    Do not carry wallet cards that display the SSN such as insurance cards, except when needed to receive healthcare services.

Theft identity entails a lot of damage. If you are a victim of it, consult a Social Security fraud attorney to help you in your tedious legal battle ahead.



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]]> http://social-security-table.com/social-security-number-a-key-to-identity-fraud/feed/ 0 Ways to Retrieve Confirmation of a Social Security Number on the Internet http://social-security-table.com/ways-to-retrieve-confirmation-of-a-social-security-number-on-the-internet/ http://social-security-table.com/ways-to-retrieve-confirmation-of-a-social-security-number-on-the-internet/#comments Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:34:59 +0000 admin http://social-security-table.com/ways-to-retrieve-confirmation-of-a-social-security-number-on-the-internet/
Trevor Price asked:


The Social Security Number Verification System is a free online tool that allows employers to easily obtain a free Social Security verification for their new employees. Directly from their website, a registered employer can check a potential employee or new hire’s identity and Social Security number.

To learn more about the SSA’s free Social Security verification system, read on.

The Enumeration Verification System Basics for Employers

Employers can register for the Enumeration Verification System by visiting the SSA’s website at ssa.gov/bso/bsowelcome.htm. From this page, the employer must first register for a username and password. Once registered, they can obtain instant results by searching for employee Social Security numbers.

Using E-Verify for All Hiring

E-Verify is the free online tool provided by the Social Security Administration. It allows you, the employer, to conduct a free check of a new employee’s status and Social Security number with both the SSA and the DHS.

Essentially, once a job applicant presents their documents showing both their identity and employment eligibility, an employer has 3 days from the official hiring date to perform an E-Verify check. By using the E-Verify tool, an employer is granted civil and criminal immunity for all the employees it runs through the system in good faith. The legal benefits are massive and it’s a free service.

E-Verify is a fantastic way to establish your company as a responsible employer and one that ensures they are in compliance with all immigration and hiring laws. Remember though, an employer can’t just sit back, relax and assume that simply because a new employee or applicant is cleared on E-Verify, that they’re free from future responsibility. A truly diligent employer should take aggressive steps to insure their workplace is free of Social Security fraud.

Using the Enumeration Verification System if You’re a Lender

Loan companies are also often prey to instances of Social Security number fraud. This system allows lenders to input a loan applicant’s Social Security number and name. After processing the request, they will receive a “no match” or “match” which will show if the Social Security number is correct.

This verification service is run through third-party vendors and is not free. However, it’s a critical tool for verifying identity and preventing fraud.

If you’re searching for free Social Security verification tools, your only option is with the Social Security Administration or through a lender’s vendor. To conduct Social Security number checks, you must be registered with the SSA as an employer and have the proper signed documentation from your new hires.

This can be invaluable information to a hiring organization in validating an employment candidate before bringing him or her on board. And since there is no charge for tapping into the data, it only makes sense to do so, helping to ensure there are no substantial problems with the individual. In fact, the SSA website contains a lot of employer-friendly insights that make it worth perusing through anyway.



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]]> http://social-security-table.com/ways-to-retrieve-confirmation-of-a-social-security-number-on-the-internet/feed/ 0 Social Security, Employment And Identity Theft http://social-security-table.com/social-security-employment-and-identity-theft/ http://social-security-table.com/social-security-employment-and-identity-theft/#comments Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:30:43 +0000 admin http://social-security-table.com/social-security-employment-and-identity-theft/ Lisa Carey asked: id_theft_-_dl_animation

Identity thieves steal your personal information for many reasons. Among those are to obtain credit (money) using your credit information, but also medical benefits, Veteran’s benefits and employment.

Why would anyone steal your identity just to get a job? For many reasons, for example some people are in the United States illegally and do not have a social security number. Some people can not pass background checks, or have a criminal background that would keep them from getting jobs. Whatever the reason, Social Security Numbers are hot merchandise, if yours can be gotten, it can be sold.

“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.” According to the Social Security Administration, The crime is considered a felony under federal and state laws and may result in fines and imprisonment.

In order to determine if there has been any use of your SSN to obtain employment, it is important to review your W-2 each year to determine that your social security benefits are being accurately reported and that the correct SSN is being used. Next, review your Social Security Statement issued to you each year. Check your statement against your W-2 to determine if there are any discrepancies. One way of determining if your SSN has been used illegally will be by monitoring the information on you benefits statement; which may state that benefits have been accessed or that the amount paid in maybe greater than the number reported on your W-2. To obtain a copy of your Statement of Benefits you may call the SSA toll-free at 1-800-772-1213.

Are you responsible for the taxes on the wages resulting from someone being illegally employed? Probably not, and the taxes are paid directly through the employer. As a result that money is just sitting in an account held by the federal government.

What about Social Security Benefits? What happens to the money paid in through two people employed and using the same social security number? It is estimated that approximately 420 billion dollars in federal funds are sitting in “limbo.” The government calls this the Earnings Suspense Fund. The money has been paid in, but there is no one to credit the funds or benefits to. This is because in many cases the user of your social security number is also using either their own name, or a fake name. The only people that benefit from this extra payment are the federal government as well as the imposter who is able to be employed. Each government agency (IRS and SSA) have a list of mis-matched numbers, that don’t belong to the names that are using them, so what are they doing about it?

Illegal use of your SSN is very difficult to find out about, unless you happen to apply for a job at the same place, or if they are also using it for theft of your credit information.

If after reviewing your benefits and wages information you are suspicious, take the next steps. Request a credit report to see if credit has also been obtained using your identity. If so, it is time to move quickly in order to rectify the errors in your employment, social security and credit history.

If you determine that your social security number has been compromised, you must contact the Social Security Administration and report it. Reports are made to the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General. You may file a complaint online at www.socialsecurity.gov/oig, call toll-free: 1-800-269-0271, fax: 410-597-0118, or write: SSA Fraud Hotline, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, MD 21235.

Can you get a new social security number if you suspect that your number has been used? Maybe, but not always. The SSA will not issue a new number in the following circumstances: it was lost or stolen and no proof of damage has occurred, you are trying to avoid detection of poor credit or a criminal record, or you are trying to avoid some form of legal responsibility. However it is up to you to prove to them that your number is being used illegally, that you are not attempting to avoid credit collection or any other actions possibly pending against you.

Be proactive and try to protect and repair the damage yourself. File a report with the Social Security Administration, Federal Trade Commission and the three major credit agencies. However, without the issuance of a new Social Security Number, you are still at risk so you may want to consider using all the credit protection available to you such as placing fraud alerts on your credit report, credit freezes and consistent monitoring of your credit report. To report Identity Theft you may contact the Federal Trade Commission via telephone 1-877-438-4338.

You may find it necessary to consult with an attorney to protect your current and future benefit rights. Know your rights and stand up for them. Credit lenders or collection agents may attempt to threaten you or force you to pay for outstand debts incurred by use of your information. Consult with law enforcement officials, an attorney, the State’s Attorney General and consumer credit counseling organizations to determine what your rights and responsibilities are and you can assert them.

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