Stop Tax-Time ID Theft

What You Need To Know To Keep Yourself Safe
               by Fraud Expert, John Sileo

Choose a security-minded tax preparer. Poorly organized and dishonest tax preparers are a significant source of theft. Make sure their client files and staff computers are not left unattended. Verify that the firm has an established track record with years of satisfied clients. Be wary of on who does not have a tax ID number from the IRS.

Pay your taxes with checks that can't be easily washed, altered or counterfeited. We recommend Securiguard check designs for ultimate protection. Mail your check(s) by certified mail so you know your filing has arrived safely. Consider filing your taxes electronically so that you remove mail theft from the equation. Shred all tax-related documents that you no longer need using a confetti shredder.

Known the signs of IRS and tax ID theft scams:

• If anyone asks you for information in order to send you your refund check, they are scamming for your identity. The IRS already knows where you live (and where to send your refund).
• Hang up on callers (even if caller ID says it's the IRS- it's NOT) and delete emails and texts from the IRS threatening jail time, penalties or legal action if you don't pay immediately. They're using fear to scare you into acting.
• Ignore tax-related calls appearing to be from the local police department, the state motor vehicle department or the FBI (again, they will often have realistic numbers on the caller ID using a "spoofing" technique).
• If someone promises you (by phone, fax, mail, or in person) to drastically reduce your tax bill or speed up your tax return, don't believe them. If necessary, verify their claims with the IRS.
• The IRS will NEVER email you for any reason. This includes any type of electronic communications such as text messages and social-media channels.

File your taxes as early in the year as possible to beat scammers to the punch. Anyone filing fraudulently in your name at a later date will be presumed by the IRS to be the illegitimate tax return.

DON'T FORGET! TAX RETURNS ARE DUE APRIL 18,2016

IRS tool-free: (800) 829-1040

To report a scam call: (800) 366-4484