Tax identity theft awareness tips
How much do you know about tax-related identity theft?
If an identity thief is using your social security number, do you know the warning signs?
Would you know what to do if someone used your personal identifying information to file for a tax refund?
As you prepare your 2016 taxes, the Lee County Sheriff Office encourages consumers, tax professionals, small businesses and veterans to take part in a variety of special events being hosted online and through social media by the Federal Trade Commission, Internal Revenue Service, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and others.
Topics include scams targeting tax professionals, cybersecurity, protecting client data, how to minimize your risk of tax identity theft and how to recover if identity theft happens to you, as well as many other related issues.
For additional information, log on to: www.consumer.ftc.gov.
Unfortunately, if you are a victim of tax-related identity theft, you most likely will not find out a fraudulent return has been filed using your social security number until your legitimate e-file is denied and returned; or you receive a letter from the IRS alerting you that a return using your social security is considered suspicious.
How can you reduce your risk?
Follow the below tips:
– File early.
– Use security software with firewall and anti-virus protections.
– Avoid threatening calls, texts or phishing e-mail from thieves posing as IRS agents.
– Use recommendations and research tax preparers thoroughly before using their services.
For more information, or if you are a victim of this crime, contact the LCSO Fraud Line at 239-258-3292 or by email at fraudline@sheriffleefl.org.
You can also find additional assistance at: www.IRS.gov/identitytheft.
Source: Lee County Sheriff Office
Tax identity theft awareness tips
How much do you know about tax-related identity theft?
If an identity thief is using your social security number, do you know the warning signs?
Would you know what to do if someone used your personal identifying information to file for a tax refund?
As you prepare your 2016 taxes, the Lee County Sheriff Office encourages consumers, tax professionals, small businesses and veterans to take part in a variety of special events being hosted online and through social media by the Federal Trade Commission, Internal Revenue Service, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and others.
Topics include scams targeting tax professionals, cybersecurity, protecting client data, how to minimize your risk of tax identity theft and how to recover if identity theft happens to you, as well as many other related issues.
For additional information, log on to: www.consumer.ftc.gov.
Unfortunately, if you are a victim of tax-related identity theft, you most likely will not find out a fraudulent return has been filed using your social security number until your legitimate e-file is denied and returned; or you receive a letter from the IRS alerting you that a return using your social security is considered suspicious.
How can you reduce your risk?
Follow the below tips:
– File early.
– Use security software with firewall and anti-virus protections.
– Avoid threatening calls, texts or phishing e-mail from thieves posing as IRS agents.
– Use recommendations and research tax preparers thoroughly before using their services.
For more information, or if you are a victim of this crime, contact the LCSO Fraud Line at 239-258-3292 or by email at fraudline@sheriffleefl.org.
You can also find additional assistance at: www.IRS.gov/identitytheft.
Source: Lee County Sheriff Office
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