Identity theft poses tax problems
Tax season is upon us and every college student with any type of income will be (or should be) filing income tax statements to receive that coveted tax return check. Unfortunately, some students and other citizens in America may never see that return or may be delayed in receiving their money.
Identity theft, named America's fastest growing crime by numerous credible sources such as NBC news and the United States Social Security Administration, has crippled today's society simply because information is more public and electronically accessible than ever before.
Craig Mazin and Seth Gordon, respectively, wrote and directed a movie adding comedic relief to an otherwise serious and prevalent issue.
Identity Theft ranked number one it is opening weekend and received great reviews.
Although the comedy in the movie is enjoyable, the actual effects of identity theft are quite horrifying.
Prairie View A&M University alumnus and certified identity theft risk management specialist David Allen said, "Identity theft in its simplest form is when anyone does anything using your name. It starts with your name, not your bank account, social security or medical information."
There are five types of identity theft: character, where someone uses another's name; medical, in order to get medical coverage; financial, the most common related to; driver's license, in order to fabricate cards and photo identities; and social security, where a criminal uses another's social security number to get a job or gives over to the IRS for a refund.
According to Allen college-age students are at the greatest risk for many reasons.
The high school student who applied to different colleges and scholarship funds has given out information that is now in the possession of those institutions or organizations.
Also, information is stored in different medical, insurance and government databases because young people are beginning their lives on their own.
As aforementioned, the effects of identity theft can be greatly damaging, Allen said.
Law requires car insurance.
Insurance companies are connecting car insurance rates to credit reports but with a low credit score due to someone else's actions, credit interest rates shoot up.
Apartment renting could be hindered or even denied because of a bad credit report.
Even graduate student loan interest rates can become unbearable or the actual principal amount granted could not be enough to cover program expenses.
"[Professionals] tend to view preventing identity theft as very similar to preventing a car accident. You may do all the things that you are supposed to do but someone still might hit you. It is important that you shred your personal info, keep it close and hidden. Keep it locked or in a secured drawer. Sometimes, others have to share info on our behalf and when security is breached, there is a problem. The key is being informed and counteraction," said Allen.
Allen's company specializes in solutions to identity theft and other legal issues.
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
More pvpanther News Articles
- Alphas win TCAC chapter of the year
- Senior project to help track campus shuttles
- Pre-med students receive white coats
- Library exhibits 'Women of a New Tribe
Recent pvpanther News Articles
Discuss This Article
MOST POPULAR PVPANTHER
Grambling snatches third win in two seasons against the Panthers By Denzel Speights
Fast start ends in epic double overtime win for Lady Panthers By Donovan Martinez
Alphas win TCAC chapter of the year By Demario Lowe
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST PVPANTHER NEWS
- Grambling snatches third win in two seasons against the Panthers
- Love or lust relationship seminar educates students on love
- Leisure activity turns into new organization on campus
- Fast start ends in epic double overtime win for Lady Panthers
- Alphas win TCAC chapter of the year
- Students network with companies at career fair
- Panthers give Bearkats a run for their
RECENT PVPANTHER CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- New Writers and Illustrators Win Decades-Old Science...
- Moving Resources For Military Families
- Historic Agreement Signed By Red Cross and Armed Forces
- Salonpas® Brand Stands the Test of Time
- Tips to “Yard Your Way” This Spring
- Upgraded Upstate Power Grid Will Deliver a Smarter,...
- A Story To Sing About
- The Gap in Gum Care: Why Caring For Your Teeth’s F...
- Top Tips for Signature Scents and Better-Smelling Laundry
- A Dog Trainer’s Top Tips to Support Pets Through Life S...
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- BookTrib's Bites: Four Captivating Spring Reads
- Moms Kick Back with Mamaritas
- Generac Urges Americans to Prepare for Power Outages Early
- Youth Apprenticeship Week Spotlights Opportunities
- New Expo Showcases AI Innovation
- Self-Care and Mental Health Tips for Caregivers
- Adventure Awaits: Discover the Playset that Brings...
- Need Auto Glass Repair? Don’t Despair
- Pioneering Fast and Affordable Broadband for the Underserved
- 7 Reasons Renting an RV Should Be On Every Family’s S...
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- Guidenar Launches New Career Test for Gen Z
- GotIt! Education Offers MathGPT Free to All State & Community Colleges
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- Semiconductor Research Corp unveils 2024 Research Call, $13.8M Funding
- Charles River Associates Opens Second Scholarship Cycle, Expands to the UK