Tis’ The Season: Tax Scams and Identity Theft

Tax scams and identity theft, like any other, have endless variations often based on phone or email schemes. Keep in mind that the IRS will never try to contact you via email, text message, or other form of electronic messaging to request personal or financial information.  Remember the basics of information security: don’t give out passwords, pin numbers, bank account numbers, or any other compromising information that could give scammers access to your finances.  Never open attachments in an email from someone you don’t know; if you are suspicious, you can forward these emails to phishing@irs.gov.

What are the steps or tips you can take to avoid being the victim of a tax scam and/or identity theft?  Read below:

1. Don’t carry your Social Security card with you
2. Don’t give out your SSN unless it is required
3. Monitor your credit via a credit reporting services at least once per year
4. Lock up your personal and financial information in your own home
5. Safeguard your computers and smartphones through the use of antivirus software, software updates, and strong passwords
6. Don’t give out personal information over the phone or Internet unless you initiated the contact and are sure of the recipient.
7. If you want to know more about how to protect yourself from identity theft, take a quick look at the IRS video below: