SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is a volunteer attorney who provides free legal services for low income seniors in San Mateo County, California.

March 2, 2020

TAX IDENTITY THEFT

What is tax identity theft? It happens when someone uses your Social Security number (SSN) to file a phony tax return and collect your refund. You may not find out it has happened until you try to file your real tax return and the IRS rejects it as a duplicate filing.
IRS imposters are scammers who pretend they’re calling from the IRS. They claim you owe taxes and demand that you pay right now, usually with a gift card or prepaid debit card. They threaten you’ll be arrested or face other bad consequences if you don’t pay. But it’s all a lie. If you send the money, it’s gone. When this happens, it is called Tax Identity Fraud.
To fight against tax identity theft:
*Protect your SSN throughout the year. Don’t give it out unless there’s a good reason and you’re sure whom you’re giving it to.
*File your tax return early in the tax season to give criminals less time to use your information.
*Use a secure internet connection if you file electronically, or mail your tax return directly from the post office.
*Research the reputation of a tax preparer thoroughly before you hand over personal information.
*Check your credit report at least once a year for free at http://www.annualcreditreport.com to make sure no one has opened a new account in your name.
*Take precautions to protect your identity. If you lose your wallet, or it is stolen, it offers a scammer an opportunity to steal your identity using your Social Security Number (SSN) or other personal information.
*When filing electronically avoid public networks such as a local coffee shop or McDonalds.
*If you plan to mail in your tax return, mail it through a reliable source like the post-office, or official postal box.
*Once you’re done with documents that contain sensitive information, be sure to SHRED them. Or, if you have documents you need to keep, be sure that they are kept in a secure location.
*If you’re expecting your W-2s and haven’t received them, and your employer indicates they’ve been mailed, or it looks as if it has been previously opened upon delivery, contact the IRS immediately at http://www.irs.gov.
Attribution: http://www.ftc.gov