By Bruce Williams
United Feature Syndicate
DEAR BRUCE: I recently learned that someone used my Social Security number to apply for a credit card. I was advised to call the three major credit bureaus and put a fraud alert on any attempts to apply for credit in my name. The credit bureaus sent me complimentary copies of my credit report for review. In addition, they suggested that I notify the local police. — Reader, via email
DEAR READER: I think the agencies gave you good advice. They put a fraud alert on your account to prevent further damage. If you have information to pass on to your local police, I would do so.
DEAR BRUCE: I’ve been working for this mom-and-pop business. They pay me under the table and do not withhold any taxes or Social Security. Is this a problem, and could this be a problem for me? — Reader, via email
DEAR BRUCE: Is this be a problem? It certainly is. You’re a tax evader! You are taking cash that’s not being reported, no payroll taxes are being paid, etc.
If you want to go straight, you can notify the IRS of what you have been doing. Have someone compute what taxes you should have been paying and include those taxes with your letter.
Another thing you could do is have the people you work for start you off as a “new employee.” The likelihood is that it will forestall any action on the past transgression, assuming you do not in any way repeat this transgression.
• Send questions to bruce@brucewilliams.com. Questions of general interest will be answered in future columns. Owing to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.