Tax Scams – How to Protect Yourself and Your Identity

Are you worried about tax scams? According to the IRS, impersonation schemes are more wide spread during tax season. They can be in the form of e-mails, phone websites, even tweets. Scammers may also use a phone or fax to reach their victims.

Professor Tax wants to help you stay safe during tax season. That’s why we are providing you with Tips on how to Protect Yourself and Your Identity.

How to Avoid Tax Scams and Identity Theft:

Ø    If it’s too good to be true, it most likely is.

Ø   The IRS never asks for detailed personal and financial information like    PINs, passwords or private credit card information, bank or other financial accounts.

Ø   The IRS will NOT contact taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information.

Ø   If you do get a phone call or email asking for any of the above personal information, you are talking to a crook.

Ø   If you receive a paper letter or notice via mail claiming to be the IRS but you suspect it is a scam, contact the IRS at http://www.irs.gov/contact/index.html to determine if it is a legitimate IRS notice or letter.

  

Ø   Do not routinely carry your Social Security card or other documents that display your Social Security number in case your purse or wallet is stolen.

Ø   Create Strong Passwords; this will keep others from easily accessing your information.

Ø   Make sure you have a password on your cell phone. This will help ensure your information is secure here also.

Ø   Shred your mail. If someone wants to steal your identity they will look through your trash. 

Ø   Make sure the internet you are using is secure. It is important to have a password on your wireless network that way hackers cannot access your personal information.

 

 

The IRS wants to know about all tax scams out there. The agency has investigators to track down these crooks. If you receive a scam e-mail claiming to be from the IRS or discover a website that claims to be the IRS but does not begin with http://www.irs.gov/, forward it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.

Professor Tax is here to answer any questions you may have. If you are having trouble with your taxes or simply want a free consultation, call or come on it and we will gladly assist you.

To find out more about how to report tax scams visit the IRS.gov.