Social Security Number Theft

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Social security numbers are a person’s footprint and a way of identifying who they are. These numbers are assigned to U.S. citizens by the state in order to identify them and are used for many things including applications for credit, loans, mortgages and of course, employment. Because social security numbers are related to credit application, unfortunately, they are susceptible to attempts of identity theft by criminals.

Identity theft occurs more and more across this country each day. Identity thieves will use a victim’s social security number in order to steal their identity. Some of the more serious cases of identity theft will lead to somebody completely taking on life using this other person’s identity. This can bring about mortgages, loans, credit card debt, criminal records, etc. These thieves will completely act like someone else, using the victim’s name as an alias, including obtaining photographic identification, assuming the victim’s identity as their own.

Identity theft occurs every day and as an employer, it is important that you are aware of this serious crime. Perspective employees could be actively using someone else’s identity as their own for whatever reason they may have to do so. Sometimes these individuals are criminals; other times they are illegal immigrants who don’t have citizenship in this country. Either way, employing individuals who are committing identity theft can mean big trouble for the companies who become involved with these individuals. It is very important to be aware of whom you are hiring and checking the information they provide to find out if it is correct.

There are ways you can protect yourself as an employer. There are a lot of websites available that offer social security number verification services as well as companies who conduct background checks on individuals so that you can see their complete history with that social security number. Background checks include criminal offenses and credit history as well, for the more extensive ones. These services do charge a small fee, but having the knowledge of someone’s character is well worth the small fees involved with using the service. The Social Security Administration also offers a social security number verification service free of charge although it typically takes longer to receive results than it would take to receive them through a pay site.

Identity theft is a serious problem in the United States. There are simple ways to prevent it, but you should check yourself often that your identity is not being used by a thief. Employers who hire individuals who are committing identity theft can face some serious consequences. It is important as an employer to be aware of the people you are bringing into your company. Conducting background checks and verifying social security numbers of your employees will give you the knowledge you need and allows you to stop from worrying. Making the small investment to verify a potential employee’s information not only gives you peace of mind, but if you do find yourself with a suspect social security number and id in an application, you know you can contact the police, and make a contribution as a citizen to get one more identify thief behind bars, saving future potential victims of fraud.