The threat of identity theft this
tax season leaves consumers with more to worry about than whether or not a tax
return is in the mail. Experian’s ProtectMyID®,
a multilayered identity theft detection, protection and fraud resolution
product, advises consumers to protect
personal financial information found in tax returns. A thief may use sensitive
information, such as a Social Security number, to claim a fraudulent tax
refund, open fraudulent credit cards and commit other criminal acts that may take
months, if not years, to correct.
Tax-related
identity theft is a continuing problem. In fact, the National Tax Advocate reports
that the use of stolen Social Security numbers to collect fraudulent tax
refunds increased more than 78 percent from 2011 to 2012, affecting nearly
450,000 individuals.
The
IRS advises victims of tax-related identity theft to visit the IRS
website and complete Form 14039, the Identity Theft Affidavit. According to the
IRS, it continues to expand the number of Identity
Protection Personal Identification Numbers (IP PINs) being issued to victims.
The IP PIN is a unique identifier that shows that a particular taxpayer is the
rightful filer of the return. In 2013, the IRS has issued IP PINs to more than
600,000 taxpayers who have been victimized by identity theft.
Experian’s ProtectMyID recommends the following tips to help
safeguard your identity during tax time:
·
Place tax documents in a secure location, such as a
safe or a locking file cabinet, and store them there until needed to prepare tax
forms. Do not leave them in a car.
·
Some tax apps require users to take photos of W2
forms. Be sure to delete images after use.
·
Password-protect your smartphone.
·
Do not follow links in emails or text messages to
the IRS site — always type “irs.gov” directly into a browser to avoid vicious
links. Report fraudulent IRS emails, texts or phone calls to phishing@irs.gov.
·
Keep operating systems and all computer protection
software up to date.
·
Do not use public computers to e-file taxes.
·
Ask tax preparers about computer security measures employed
by their offices.
·
Don’t work with tax preparers who ask clients to
sign blank tax returns.
·
Wipe the hard drive before disposing of or donating
an old computer that contains personal or financial information.
·
Monitor credit reports regularly.
About
Experian’s ProtectMyID
ProtectMyID
is a leading, full-service provider of identity theft detection, protection and
resolution. ProtectMyID offers comprehensive identity
theft protection products supported by experienced identity theft
resolution professionals who deliver personal attention that customers can rely
on. ProtectMyID.com is a Website owned by ConsumerInfo.com, Inc., an Experian
company. Find out more information about how ProtectMyID helps consumers protect themselves
against identity theft.
About Experian
Experian® is
the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical
tools to clients around the world. The Group helps businesses to manage credit
risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making.
Experian also helps individuals to check their credit report and credit score,
and protect against identity theft.
Experian plc is listed on the
London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total
revenue for the year ended 31 March 2012 was US$4.5 billion. Experian employs
approximately 17,000 people in 44 countries and has its corporate headquarters
in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK;
California, US; and São Paulo, Brazil.
Experian and the Experian marks used herein are service
marks or registered trademarks of Experian Information Solutions, Inc. Other
product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective
owners.
No comments:
Post a Comment