Tax-related Identity Theft: When someone steals your Social Security number and uses it to file a tax return and claim a fraudulent refund.
According to the IRS, in 2017, 597,000 tax returns were confirmed identity theft. All taxpayers should ensure they are doing everything they can to prevent a thief from stealing their identity.
5 Simple Tips to Help Protect Yourself
- Learn to recognize and avoid phishing emails, calls and texts from scammers. These thieves pose as legitimate organizations such as banks, credit card companies and the IRS.
- Do not click on links or attachments in unsolicited emails or messages from unknown senders.
- Use a security software with firewall and anti-virus protections.
- Use strong, unique passwords.
- Protect personal information. Ensure your tax records are secure.
Every year, the IRS releases the Dirty Dozen – a list of the largest tax scams they saw for that year’s taxes. The IRS scams list reads like a playbook from the past, with phishing, identity theft, and fake charities making the list.
