Burnsville, MN – January 14, 2016 –
With another tax season coming up quickly, Better Business Bureau of Minnesota
and North Dakota ® (BBB) warns taxpayers about tax-related identity theft,
which occurs when someone uses your stolen Social Security number (SSN) to file
a fraudulent tax return and claim your refund. Though this type of fraud is
tough to prevent against – beyond taking steps to safeguard your personal
information – BBB offers some tips to help consumers recognize when it’s
occurred and steps they can take to mitigate the situation from there.
According to CNBC, tax-refund fraud is expected to total $21
billion in 2016. This type of fraud often occurs without the victim knowing it,
until they file their tax return and discover that a return has already been
filed using their Social Security number. Another way people learn they’ve been
victimized is when the IRS sends them a letter saying they have identified a
suspicious return using their SSN.
The IRS offers some additional identity protection tips for taxpayers:
- Always use security software with firewall and anti-virus protections. Make sure the security software is always turned on and will automatically update. Encrypt sensitive files such as tax records you store on your computer. Use strong passwords.
- Learn to recognize and avoid phishing emails, threatening calls and texts from thieves posing as legitimate organizations such as your bank, credit card provider or even the IRS. Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious emails.
- Guard your personal data. Don’t routinely carry your Social Security card, and make sure your tax records are secure. Treat your personal information like you do your cash; don’t leave it lying around.
o
More than one tax
return being filed using your SSN.
o
Owing additional tax;
your refund being offset; or if you’ve had collection actions taken against you
for a year you did not file a tax return.
o
IRS records indicate
you received wages or other income from an employer for whom you did not work.
If your SSN has been compromised or you know –
or suspect – that you are a victim of tax-related identity theft,
the IRS recommends that you:- Respond immediately to any IRS notice; call the number provided or, if instructed to do so, visit IDVerify.irs.gov.
- Complete IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, if your e-filed return is rejected because of a duplicate filing under your SSN or if you are instructed to do so. Use a fillable form at IRS.gov, print, then attach the form to your return and mail according to instructions.
- Continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must do so by paper.
