Protect Your Identity Against Scammers and Fraud

As tax season is approaching it is extremely important to stay alert and aware of identity scammers and fraud. Make sure your refund ends up in your hand or your secure bank account. Someone who steals your identity and financial details are after your tax refund. To prevent identity theft against scammer and fraud here are few steps to follow. 

1.  Keep your SSN private. 

Since protecting your Social Security is critical; prior and after successfully filing your Federal Income Tax Return make sure to leave your Social Security card at home and do not share your Social Security number with anyone else. Tax return identity theft always involves a stolen Social Security Number (SSN). Thief uses your stolen Social Security to file a fraudulent tax return earlier in the season before you’re likely to file and pocket the refund. 

2.  Keep your financial information private

Scammer and thieves who are unable to hack into your computer for your financial information may try to get your information in various other ways. Be aware of providing personal information over the phone or through the mail. Unless you have initiated the contact or you are sure you know the person you're talking to, it's better just to say no.

3.  Read your account statements

You must at least each month open all your statements for bank accounts and credit cards transaction details for purchases that you do not recognize. Better yet, set up your account on the company's secure website and check your account there every few days.

4.  Protect your computer against spam and viruses

It is very easy for hackers and scammers to hack into your financial online account through your computer software. Take advantage of the security software updates and make it a habit to use a firewall, anti-spam, and anti-virus software. Also, before you donate or recycle an old computer, consider using a data-wipe program to make sure nobody can recover your hard drive data. Alternatively, remove the hard drive and have it professionally destroyed.

5.  Beware of phishing and unknown calls

What is Phishing?

Phishing is term for online scams and the fraudulent practice that use official looking email that seems to come from the IRS, or your financial institution. Phishing happens when a victim replies to a fraudulent email that demands urgent action. Never give out personal information via phone or email. The IRS never requests financial or personal information in email communications, and neither do legitimate companies. In addition, the IRS won't call you to tell you that you owe taxes. They will send you a letter. 

6.  Beware sharing in social media 

Stay on top of social media as some identity thieves might be trolling around social medias looking for identifying information or vacation pictures indicating that you are not home.  Information on social media sites is often used to figure out passwords. Make use of social media privacy settings and don’t post your vacation photos until you return home.