Important Information About Tax Identity Theft

Tax season is a popular time for identity thieves to target individuals. Tax identity theft happens when someone else files a fake tax return using your information, namely your social security number. The goal of these thieves is to claim your tax return for themselves or to get a job.

Another way you could fall victim to tax identity theft is through IRS imposter scams. In this instance, you may receive a call from someone posing as an IRS employee who says you owe money and will be arrested if you don’t pay your debt immediately. They will ask you to use a prepaid debit card, to send a wire transfer or to use your credit card over the phone in order to pay right away.

The IRS will never request payment over the phone and generally contacts individuals about outstanding taxes owed by mail. Report suspicious activity like this immediately.

Protect Yourself from Tax Identity Theft

Being aware of these scams is just the first step toward preventing them. Tax Identity Theft Awareness week is January 25-29, 2016, and in its honor Proshred Tampa wants to provide the Tampa Bay area with resources and information to help tax filers protect themselves from tax identity theft.

Proshred Tampa offers the most secure shredding services and hard drive destruction available. Check out our services and contact us to destroy sensitive information and protect your identity.

Free Webinars from the Federal Government

• January 26 at 2 p.m. watch a free webinar for consumers addressing how tax identity theft happens from the FTC and AARP’s Fraud Watch Network and Tax Aide Program.
• January 27 at 11 a.m. join a Twitter Chat with Information for Veterans about tax identity theft, hosted by FTC and Department of Veterans Affairs.
• January 28 at 1 p.m. watch a free webinar from the FTC and IRS titled Assisting Victims of Tax Identity Theft.
• January 29 at 2 p.m. join a FTC and ITRC Twitter Chat using #IDTheftChat.

Warning Signs That Your Social Security Number Has Been Stolen

• You were paid by an employer you don’t know.
• You are notified that more than one tax return was filed for you.
• You receive a letter from the IRS stating that someone else is using your social security number.
• The IRS sends you a warning that you received wages that you did not report on in your taxes.

How To Report IRS Scams and Tax Identity Theft

Here are several ways you can report possible fraud and identity theft. Remember, the IRS only contacts individuals by mail. Phone calls, text messages, emails or social media messages are all possible scams and should be reported immediately.

• IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit 1-800-908-4490
• Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) 1- 800-366-4484
• Contact IdentityTheft.gov
• File a complaint with the FTC