Did you know that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) identified more than $10 billion dollars in tax fraud and financial crimes in 2021 alone? Over 10 BILLION! Tax season is upon us again and while you gather your docs and paperwork, cybercriminals are working on their schemes to steal your tax refunds, the money you have in the bank, or your identity.
Are there signs you may be a victim of tax identity theft? Of course! Here are a few questions to ponder to see if you have already been a victim:
These are all really big warning signs that you might be a victim of tax identity theft.
Knowing how to protect yourself and your loved ones from identity and money scams during tax season is critical in our world today. Here are a few tips to help:
How will the IRS contact you?
Always remember that the IRS will NEVER initiate contact with you by phone, email, text, or through social media. Also, the IRS will NEVER call, email, or text you with threats of lawsuits or arrests, nor will they request your taxpayer PIN.
The ONLY way the IRS will contact you is by mail. Any IRS letter will arrive in a government envelope with the IRS seal, it will contain a notice number at the top right corner of the letter, and it will provide the correct contact information for the IRS.
Think you may already be a victim?
If you think that you are already a victim of tax-related identity theft you need to contact the IRS immediately!
Here are a few ways you can contact them and other steps you may want to take:
Keep in mind: If your Federal return has been compromised, your state return may also. Be sure to contact your state tax department as soon as possible.
Criminals work hard on their schemes and we all need to work just as hard to protect ourselves and those we love from becoming their next victim.
Have questions or need help with your taxes? Contact a tax professional or the IRS.
Need a hand with your technology or have questions about passwords? Contact TeCHS!