Fraud, need advice.

[3Hotdogs]

Cousin re-applied for food (formerly stamps) card. She was told that she earned $12k at a business that is about an hour's drive from her apartment. She never worked there. The "business" Trinidad, L.L.P. is in an address at a residential house.

She was approved for the benefits but what should she do to protect her assets/credit and such?

She locked her credit report. Should she close her bank account and open a new one? File a police report?



Then the question, what benefit would someone get from using her data? I-9 immigration/Homeland Security form should have been filled out by this employer. She has an unusual name and surname. Unlikely there are two people with that same name.

[SmittyWerben]

1. She needs to get in touch with the Social Security Administration

to find out if her social security number is being used by someone else. This really should be step one as that number ties everything back to her. Interestingly, any money paid into her SSI account by someone using her number actually builds her SSI retirement account, sorta like a second job.

[wyn borkins]

2. A Few Suggestions

(A) Keep a DAILY watch on ALL her credit cards (most can be viewed online)

(B) Keep a DAILY watch on ALL her banking accounts (most can be viewed online)

(C) Yes, open a new banking account, but be AWARE of info supplied (to new bank)

(D) Don't close existing minimum-funded bank account; have bank advise of activity

[CanonRay]

3. Sounds like someone is using her SSN for work

and may be doing nothing else. She should let the employer know that the SSN they are reporting is hers, not their employee's.