Letter to the editor: Identity theft, scams cause grief

It’s a shame that we have to live in a world where identity theft and daily scams are common.

Recently, I received a 1099-G from the commonwealth of Pennsylvania indicating that I was responsible for paying taxes on $10,600 of unemployment benefits that I supposedly applied for and received. I did neither. Someone stole my identity and received the money under my name. I understand this is a nationwide problem.

I had to file an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission and a police report, write to the commonwealth for an amended 1099-G and contact the credit reporting companies, my bank, my credit card companies and my investment companies. All of this consumed a lot of my time.

Weekly, I receive many calls from auto warranty companies, Amazon Prime, Apple and others trying to obtain my personal information, probably so they can scam me.

Why do we have to live like this? My only wish is that you thieves and scam artists get caught and are punished to the maximum extent of the law.

J.D. Smith

North Huntingdon