During tax time, there are a lot of clever people who use their powers for evil waiting to take advantage of you. Here is one tool to fight back.
As part of National Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, AARP’s Fraud Watch Network and AARP Foundation Tax-Aide are joining forces with federal agencies to highlight the dangers of tax identity theft and recovery steps for victims. To register for the free webinar on February 2 at 2 pm EST, click here. How it Works: Tax identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information for a fraudulent refund or to earn wages. It can involve:
- Filing a tax return using another person’s Social Security number.
- Claiming someone else’s children as dependents.
- Claiming a tax refund using a deceased taxpayer’s information.
What Are The Signs:
- Your Social Security number is lost, stolen or compromised.
- Your tax refund is delayed.
- You receive a notice from the IRS stating it has received a duplicate tax return filing, you have unreported income, or you and somebody else are claiming the same dependents.
What You Should Do: To avoid becoming a victim of tax identity theft:
- Submit your tax return as early in the tax season as possible.
- Be careful what you share – don’t give out your personal information unless you know who is asking and why, and don’t be shy about refusing!
- Dispose of sensitive information safely – shred it with a micro-cut shredder.
- Know your tax preparer.
Check the status of your refund after filing at www.irs.gov/refunds. If you think someone filed a fraudulent refund with your information, call the IRS Identity Theft line at 800-908-4490. To learn more, visit www.ftc.gov/taxidtheft. Kristin Keckeisen
Fraud Watch Network
Source: Webinar for Consumers on Tax Identity Theft | Federal Trade Commission