Tax-related identity theft is a concern during holiday season warn the IRS
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Tax-related identity theft is a concern during holiday season warn the IRS
The Internal Revenue Service, state tax authorities and the tax preparation industry are working to highlight the dangers of tax scams and identity theft at this time of year calling it National Tax Security Week. Taxpayers and tax professionals need to beware of tax scams revolving around the confluence of the holiday shopping season, the upcoming tax season and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This combination of events creates extra opportunities for criminals to steal sensitive personal or finance information. Individuals should take extra care while shopping online or viewing emails and text messages.
10 Basic Steps to Protect Against Identity Theft
- Don’t forget to use security software for computers, tablets and mobile phones — and keep it updated. Protect electronic devices of family members, especially teens and young children.
- Make sure anti-virus software for computers has a feature to stop malware, and there is a firewall enabled that can prevent intrusions.
- Phishing scams — like imposter emails, calls and texts — are the No. 1 way thieves steal personal data. Don’t open links or attachments on suspicious emails. This year, fraud scams related to COVID-19, Economic Impact Payments and other tax law changes are common.
- Use strong and unique passwords for online accounts. Use a phrase or series of words that can be easily remembered or use a password manager.
- Use multi-factor authentication whenever possible. Many email providers and social media sites offer this feature. It helps prevent thieves from easily hacking accounts.
- Shop at sites where the web address begins with “https” — the “s” is for secure communications over the computer network. Also, look for the “padlock” icon in the browser window.
- Don’t shop on unsecured public Wi-Fi in places like a mall. Remember, thieves can eavesdrop.
- At home, secure home Wi-Fi with a password. With more homes connected to the web, secured systems become more important, from wireless printers, wireless door locks to wireless thermometers. These can be access points for identity thieves.
- Back up files on computers and mobile phones. A cloud service or an external hard drive can be used to copy information from computers or phones — providing an important place to recover financial or tax data.
- Working from home? Consider creating a virtual private network (VPN) to securely connect to your workplace.
IRS Fights Identity Theft
The IRS Criminal Investigation division has been stepping up its efforts to combat tax crimes, particularly those related to cryptocurrency. In the past fiscal year, IRS CI identified $2.19 billion in tax fraud and $8.18 billion in other tax and financial crimes, mainly money laundering. Additionally, the IRS CI’s Questionable Refund Program identifies fraudulent claims for tax refunds. Typically, the schemes involve individuals filing multiple fraudulent tax returns using the personally identifiable information of individuals, either knowingly or unknowingly, to facilitate the scheme.
During the pandemic, the IRS noted there continue to be numerous scams related to COVID-19. These can be attempts to gain sensitive personal or financial information. The Federal Trade Commission also has issued alerts so consumers can keep up with the latest scam information and report on COVID-related scams.
Individuals should be wary of identity thieves trying to appear like they are government agencies and others in the tax community by emailing or texting about tax refunds, stimulus payments or other items. The IRS will not call or send unexpected texts or emails about things like refunds. More information about these scams is available at IRS Tax Tip: Common tax scams and tips to help taxpayers avoid them.
People should also realize the security vulnerabilities in mobile phones. Cyber thieves have become more skilled at compromising mobile phones. Phone users also are more liable to open a scam email from their phone than from their computer.
Taxpayers can check out security recommendations for their specific mobile phone by reviewing the Federal Communications Commission’s Smartphone Security Checker. During this time of year, when many consumers are using their phones for holiday shopping and even for doing their taxes next tax season, they should make sure their phones and tablets are just as secure as computers.
Any individuals with questions or concerns can also contact us at (312) 578-9300.