455 - Identity Theft Affects Businesses and Employees

I know that most people do not want to talk or read about identity theft, but it's important.

Identity thieves are creative.

I am surprised at how many people had not heard of all the ways thieves use our information.

Businesses and employees suffer the consequences identity theft.

Here are 2 cases that show the affect on both the employee and the business:

1) A hospital employee in Michigan ran a stop sign as he left work on a Friday afternoon.

After checking his background, the officer told the man to step out of his vehicle. They arrested him because there were 7 bench warrants out for his arrest, none of which were his.

He was held over the weekend because he had no access to an attorney after hours on a Friday.

Your social security number (except in credit related matters) is not monitored.

If someone uses your SS to get a job, it will not show up on a credit report.

The rest of the story - another employee at the hospital had IDShield and showed it to HR. The hospital now provides IDShield to all their employees.

2) An 18 year old went to get her first job at Target. They ran a background check and said they couldn't hire her because she already works there!!

Further investigation showed that she had 38 jobs across the country. Her SS had been used in each case.

This cost the company money and young job seeker trouble in getting a job.

Identity Theft goes far beyond your credit score.

I've said it before. Identity Theft does not discriminate in any way shape or form.

From the moment a baby receives a social security number and after a person dies, everyone can be a victim.

Are you aware that your employees and your business can be affected by identity theft?