Smith Seeks Answers to Prevent Identity Theft
May 8, 2012 Issues: Social Security, Taxes, Ways & Means
Washington, DC – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today participated in a Ways and Means Committee hearing which examined tax fraud. The hearing also focused on whether the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) are doing enough to protect Social Security numbers to prevent and detect false returns. During the hearing, Smith submitted for the Congressional Record a news story about a constituent, whose Social Security number had been used to file an improper death benefit claim in South Carolina.
“Improper tax refunds have cost more than $100 billion in recent years,” said Smith. “Given the nation’s dire fiscal situation and the impact fraud has on victims, we need to have a full understanding of the size of this problem and explore what steps can be taken. We also must ensure any policy changes are not detrimental to law abiding taxpayers.”
Smith serves on the Committee on Ways and Means and the Subcommittee on Social Security.
1 comment:
I'm a little confused about the comments being made. Having worked in a Tax Preparation office I know that many time tax returns have been rejected because of name and SSN not matching. Many times because of a spouse using their maiden name but having not changed their SSN to reflect the change. The proper thing then is to file the return with the spouses maiden name.
I have also seen people trying to claim children multiple times. Sometimes in the case of divorced parents sometimes just people being dishonest. Either way there are flags in place.
The flags won't work if the crook is able to not only steal the number but in some way alter the data information associated with that number. As they do when stealing Credit card numbers or bank accounts.
The only thing we can do is remain diligent and aware.
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