The IRS is a good place to start if you want the best guidance on how to avoid being a victim of identity theft. Along with having an identity theft protection package in place to keep track of your personal information, the IRS offers some excellent advice on how to make your data further protected.
Surprisingly, most of this data is based on common sense. Identity thieves, on the other hand, are cunning. The IRS is typically one step ahead of the game when it comes to combating ID theft , especially when it comes to tax matters .
Criminals, on the other hand, move on to the next opportunity as soon as the IRS takes additional steps to close one probable area of fraudulent activity. As a result, it’s wise to make things as tough as possible for criminals, and the IRS has done an excellent job compiling these top suggestions to help you avoid being an identity theft victim .
Social Security is a government programme that provides financial assistance
One of the most basic precautions you can take is to keep your Social Security card out of your wallet or handbag. This may sound self-evident. Make sure your card is kept safe and secure at all times, including at home.
Make life as tough as possible for criminals by not leaving anything visible, and if you must take your Social Security card out with you, keep it hidden.
It’s the same thing if you have digital information about your Social Security number or other tax-related personal information. But, once again, don’t give out any personal information unless you’re certain it’s for an official purpose.
Another important practise to develop is changing your passwords on a regular basis, especially if they involve personal data. A solid password is a useful tool to have, and they’re usually rather inexpensive.
Scams should be avoided.
Scammers use phone calls and emails to try to get your personal information, and there appears to be an endless supply of them . At least one of these illicit ways has almost certainly been taken by you.
It pays to be on the lookout for fraudsters posing as reputable banks, credit card firms, and even the Internal Revenue Service. It’s advisable to avoid something if you don’t feel 100% comfortable with it.
If you want to e-file your tax return (opens in new tab) but can’t because someone else has already done so with your Social Security number, you should contact the IRS right away.
As a result, you must file a paper tax return and pay any unpaid taxes. The IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, will also be required. This should be printed and submitted or faxed to the IRS.
Extra precautions
If you’ve been a victim of tax-related ID theft, in addition to the actions indicated above, you’ll need to submit a report with the Federal Trade Commission. The Federal Trade Commission’s Complaint Assistant can guide you through the process.
Additionally, go to www.ssa.gov and contact the Social Security Administration . It would also be beneficial if you contacted any financial institutions that may require information about any identity theft you suspect has occurred.
Alert for Fraud
You should also call one or all of the credit reporting agencies . If you inform one of the three of them about potentially fraudulent activities, they are obligated to inform the other two. You should put a fraud alert or a credit freeze on any account that has been the subject of an identity theft alert at this stage.
Contacting the appropriate state tax department is also a smart idea. They might be able to tell you if you need to take any additional state-level steps.
Letter from the company
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Your tax-related ID and Social Security number may have previously been flagged by the IRS as potentially fake. If that’s the case, expect a letter from the IRS. This should outline the following procedures, which normally include calling the IRS at a certain phone number.
Alternatively, they may ask you to go to an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, where they may walk you through the procedures of any inquiry that is required.
