Employment Identity Fraud
Someone may use your ID or tax number to get a job, leaving income on your tax record that is not yours. Warning signs, how to report it, and how to correct your tax and employment records.
Some identity fraud does not take money from you directly. Instead, someone uses your ID or tax number to get a job. Their wages are reported under your number, which can cause tax bills, benefit problems and confusion that takes time to untangle.
Warning signs
- A tax letter listing income from an employer you have never worked for.
- A benefits or pension agency questioning earnings you do not have.
- A background check showing jobs you never held.
- Your tax return is rejected or adjusted because of extra income.
What to do
- Contact your tax authority through its official channels and explain the income is not yours.
- Provide evidence of your real employment and income: payslips, contracts, bank records.
- Report identity theft to your national service. See reporting identity theft.
- Check benefits and pension records for incorrect earnings.
- Check your credit record for other misuse. See checking your credit record.
- Keep a log. See keeping a log.
Be careful who asks for your ID and tax number. Fake job offers often collect these details. Only share them with a verified employer after a real offer. See how to verify a job offer.
How it happens
- ID documents sent to fake recruiters.
- Data breaches that included tax or ID numbers.
- Stolen wallets, documents or post.
- Sometimes people known to the victim.
Got a tax or job-related message you do not understand? Paste it into CyberWatch AI Scan for a free check.
Related: tax refund and benefit fraud. For the full process, see how to respond to identity fraud in our complete guide.
Frequently asked questions
How would I find out someone is working under my identity?
Often through a tax letter showing income from an employer you have never worked for, or a benefits agency querying your earnings.
Will I have to pay tax on their income?
You should not, once the fraud is reported and verified. Contact your tax authority promptly and keep records of your real employment.
Should I contact the employer?
Your tax authority or national reporting service will advise. Some people contact the employer's HR to report the fraud, but keep your own communications factual and documented.
Sources
- What To Know About Tax Identity Theft, US Federal Trade Commission
- IdentityTheft.gov, US Federal Trade Commission
- Employer Background Checks and Your Rights, US Federal Trade Commission
