Identity Theft
Identity theft can occur when your Social Security number is stolen and used by another to obtain employment, or to file a fraudulent tax return and claim a refund.
If someone else uses your Social Security number to obtain employment, then you may receive a letter from the IRS indicating that more than one tax return has been filed for you or that you received wages from an employer unknown to you.
If someone else uses your Social Security number to file a fraudulent tax return, it is important for you to immediately establish your correct identity. If you do not, the IRS will likely ask you to pay the refund amount and you could incorrectly be charged with civil or criminal penalties associated with income tax fraud.