Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your Social Security number (SSN) to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. If you become a victim, the IRS is committed to resolving your case as quickly as possible. You may be unaware that this has happened until you e-file your return and discover that a return has already been filed using your SSN.
We suggest taking a few simple steps to protect your personal and financial data online and at home:
- Keep your computer secure by using a firewall, virus protection software and file encryption for sensitive data.
- Check out companies before doing business online to find out who you are dealing with.
- Don’t open attachments in emails unless you can verify the source.
- Don’t click on websites embedded in e-mails. Go directly to their websites instead.
- Only give personal information on websites using secure “https” addresses.
- Use strong passwords.
- Back up your files.
- Protect your personal information by not carrying your social security card.
- Do not share your address on social media.
- Keep old tax returns and tax records under lock and key or encrypted if electronic.
- Shred tax documents before throwing them away.
- Remove personal data before disposing of an old computer, tablet, mobile phone or back-up hard drive.
If you are a victim of identity theft, the Federal Trade Commission recommends these steps:
File a complaint with the FTC at: identitytheft.gov.
Close any financial or credit accounts opened by identity thieves.
Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a ‘fraud alert’ on your credit records:
- www.Equifax.com 1-888-766-0008
- www.Experian.com 1-888-397-3742
- www.TransUnion.com 1-800-680-7289