HMRC- AIBU?

[abbyfromoz]

Had my purse stolen recently and have just today realised my NI card was inside... Thought I had better call HMRC and report this and possibly apply for new card- they said they no longer issue cards (fine)
I said but it was stolen
He said 'so?'
I said shouldn't I make some type of report incase someone else tries to use my.identity when getting a job?
He said that it will not benefit them to be contributing to my NI (fair enough)
But wouldn't you be concerned if someone (for example an illegal immigrant) was going around using you identity?
Not sure if there is more i should be concerned about here but leaves me feeling a little uneasy... AIBU??

Is the NI number used for anything else? Because if it isn't, he has a point.

To be able to get a job etc, you need more than just an NI card or number. I wouldn't be concerned.

I've used my NI number loads recently as I was made redundant due to my company going bust. All the claim paperwork and my subsequent JSA claim all used my NI number as an identifier for me as did a recent ISA account application I made.

NI cards are not proof of identity, for someone to use your card in respect of employment they would also have to have a form of I.D with your name on such as a passport or birth certificate (although most employers require photo I.D) and their bank account would have to be in the same name also.

YANBU to check to see if it needed reporting but I wouldn't worry about it either.

Your NINo is primarily for paying tax/NI, so HMRC are right that it wouldn't benefit anyone to use it that way. However it is used for benefit purposes- but the person using it has to show it is theirs. There should be some questions asked when a claim is made that will help ascertain the NINo is theirs. Did you have any Id in your purse? To be on safe side report the loss to the police and write to HMRC. I'd also sign up to Experian or a credit agency to make sure there are no credit applications made in your name. You could always give it a couple of weeks and make a subject access request to HMRC to see what information is held about you on NIRS (or e-NIRS)

If someone does claim a benefit in your name, don't worry. There are procedures if that happens.

Nobody can use your NI card to claim benefit. They would need id in your name.

Well the only reason i would be. Litke concerned is that my whole purse was stolen... Driver's licence, bank cards- the lot ...i suppose its unlikely i just get paranoid in this day & age...

Phone them back, you might get through to someone else who is a bit more helpful. It's not proof of ID apparently though : here

I don't think it is a problem, however I have contacted HMRC before and it is a bloody nightmare to get through on their expensive number!

Definitely call the police and get them to add it to the list of stolen items. Ask for the Crime Reference Number, and write a letter to HMRC with all the details. That way you are covered if someone does try a spot of identity theft.