Identity theft remains a top priority for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is among the fastest growing type of crime nationwide. Refund fraud caused by identity theft is one of the biggest challenges facing the IRS.
Taxpayers can encounter identity theft that involves their tax returns in several ways. Identity thieves try to file fraudulent refund claims by stealing and using another person’s identifying information.
Protect yourself from IRS Refund Fraud
- Don’t carry around your Social Security Card or information with your Taxpayer Identification Number.
- Don’t give a business your SSN or TIN just because they ask – only give this information when required.
- Check your credit report every 12 months.
- Secure personal information and financial documents at home.
- Protect your personal computers by using firewalls and virus software.
- Change your passwords and pin numbers regularly.
- Don’t provide personal information over the phone, through the mail or on the internet unless you know exactly who you are dealing with. Beware when someone calls requesting financial, banking, or identification information. This could be scam. For example, the IRS will not call consumers to collect taxes or payments. They communicate through the mail or in person.
Are you a victim of Identity Theft?
- More than one tax return was filed for you.
- IRS records indicate you received more wages than you actually earned.
- Your state or federal benefits were reduced or canceled because the agency received information about an income change.
- You have a balance due or collection actions taken against you during a year when you did not file a tax return.
Anyone who receives a notice from the IRS and suspects their identity has been used fraudulently should respond immediately to the contact phone number provided on the notice.
If you did not receive a notice from the IRS, but still believe you’ve been the victim of identity theft, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at (800) 908-4490.
Seek Legal Help
Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that represents victims with credit reporting accuracy and privacy issues or abusive collection contact resulting from identity theft. Contact Us to discuss your rights.
