conversation: User (eCommManager): "So I received a W-2 from a company I didn't work for, the amount of money matches about what I made from my last employer who was a very shady guy. The company has HR Outsourcing in it's name. I think he hired me for certain contacts I had and I was capable of doing the job well but didn't want to pay for my salary long term and just wanted the help as he looked for someone cheaper. Also to avoid unemployment benefits. The funny thing is I got a w-2 from him but it was for the last check I got after threatening to sue him for pay owed.\n\nHe still owes me pay, but I've been told hes bankrupt now and his house is in foreclosure so I dont want to waste my time.\n\nMy question now is, do I need to file criminal charges for identity theft? Please help I never imagined something like this could happen.\n\nI will crosspost to legal advice\n\nEdit: I never signed a contract, I didn't "overlook" paperwork. I interviewed for a position with a company, got the position, did a W-2 upon hire. I literally said it wasn't disclosed and the most upvoted comments are assuming that I just overlooked something and I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT IS NOT THE CASE. There was no disclosure."
  Self: "He probably used a PEO. You were under their fien and his direction. They handle he, Payroll and workers compensation. They're generally a bad deal for the employee and employer, but insurance sucks enough to make it worth while."
  dontgetaddicted (dontgetaddicted): "All the management and higher at my company is under a separate company like this. I never really realized it had a name. Always thought it was odd though because we're only a 40 person company and it seems like a lot of extra work. I assume it benefits the owner some how. "
  Self: "There is another way, most peos wrap everyone up. Your management could have you as the employee of a staffing company. I've seen this when they have bad claims history, want to keep their own works comp, but not pay for the higher classes. This way has some different risks, and can be a great alternative to a peo. The licensing for a staffing company and peo are different in FL. they are so close you can hardly tell the difference, except for a couple of things."
  