5 Ways to Protect Yourself from Tax Fraud

Is Someone Claiming a Tax Refund in Your Name?
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Tax fraud has become much more common in the last few years. When someone uses your Social Security number (SSN) to file for a tax refund, filing your own tax return can become highly problematic and time-consuming.
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IDShield’s Licensed Private Investigators (LPIs) have provided five tips to help you keep your identity safe and your tax refund out of the hands of criminals:

1. File Early. The earlier you file, the less chance a criminal will be able to file a fraudulent tax
   return.
2. File Smart. If filing electronically, make sure you use a secure internet connection. If mailing
   your return, take it straight to the post office.
3. Watch out for W-2 Phishing Scams. As part of this scam, an email will be sent appearing as if coming from a member of management or organization to secure W-2 files.
4. Watch out for money scams. The IRS will not ask you for payment over the phone, nor will they ask you to pay your taxes via a credit/debit card or wire transfer. The IRS will only contact you by mail.
5. Protect your Social Security and Medicare Card numbers. Do not give out this information unless absolutely necessary. Thieves can use this information to file a fraudulent return.

If you are enrolled in IDShield and become a victim of tax fraud, a dedicated LPI will work with you to complete the IRS identity theft affidavit, place a one-year fraud alert with all three credit bureaus, and set up a 90-day identity and security alert with a check verification system.

Watch a video to learn more.

If you don’t have IDShield, please consider enrolling at your next opportunity.