HERE ARE 6 HELPFUL TIPS TO PREVENT TAX IDENTITY THEFT

HERE ARE 6 HELPFUL TIPS TO PREVENT TAX IDENTITY THEFT

Tax season is prime time for identity thieves. Tax ID theft happens when someone steals your personal info to file bogus returns and claim refunds. This crime is booming, so you need to guard your data.

This post explains what tax ID theft is and how to outsmart scammers. Follow these tips to keep your identity and money safe.

UNDERSTANDING TAX IDENTITY THEFT

Tax ID theft happens when crooks steal Social Security numbers and other personal info. They use it to file fake returns and pocket refunds.

This crime has surged recently. The IRS had nearly 1.6 million cases in 2020 alone. Thieves often target older or lower-income filers. The average loss per person is around $4,000.

Key Takeaway: Tax identity theft involves criminals stealing personal data to file false returns and get refunds, harming millions each year.

TIP 1: PROTECT PERSONAL INFORMATION

Guard your personal data year-round to outmaneuver identity thieves. Here are smart strategies:

  • Only access financial accounts and email on secure, password-protected networks. Avoid public WiFi.
  • Never share info like SSNs, bank details, or passwords in emails or texts. These aren’t secure.
  • Lock up old tax returns and paperwork with sensitive data. Shred what you don’t need.
  • Limit use of debit cards, which offer less fraud protection than credit cards.

Key Takeaway: Safeguard personal information by using secure networks, avoiding sharing in emails/texts, locking up old paperwork, and limiting debit card use.

TIP 2: BE WARY OF PHISHING SCAMS

Criminals send fake emails and texts posing as the IRS around tax time. Don’t take the bait on these phishing scams.

Red flags include asking for personal info over email, threats of penalties, or contact info that doesn’t match the real IRS. Forward suspicious emails to [email protected].

Key Takeaway: Watch for phishing emails and texts requesting info or payment. Never provide personal data in response.


Continue reading: https://levelfinancing.com/tax-identity-theft/

要查看或添加评论,请登录

Level Financing的更多文章

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了