IDENTITY THEFT RELATED TO TAX FILING SCAMS IS ON THE RISE
Identity theft cases related to tax experienced a rise in the last year. Over 150 million tax forms are filed every year gives us an rough idea
It is definitely not an original piece of news that identity theft cases related to tax return have experienced a rise in the last years. Just knowing that over 150 million tax forms are filed every year gives us a rough idea of the the multiple opportunities that scammers and fraudsters have to rob your identity.
If you or somebody you know suffer from identity theft related to tax filing scams,
you may probably find yourself not only deprived of your corresponding tax refunds but also having to face a hard time trying to recoup your identity.
Criminal experts and law enforcement officials explain that identity thieves use different strategies to scam their victims. Some of them, steal the victim’s refunds. Others opt to trick you into sharing with them sensitive personal data as your Social Security Number or credit card number and others may even make you think that they are an IRS official.
As tax refund time is almost here, let us review some of the most common scams you may be a victim of. Every piece of information counts in order to keep yourself on the safe side.
Account Takeover: You file your tax return and a couple of days later you receive a lettter from the IRS informing you that you have already filed. In such occasion, it is likely that somebody has provided them with a fraudulent return in an attempt to steal your corresponding refund.
Late Payment Scam: Sometimes, lists are created in which late tax payers are mentioned to have them on the public record. Thieves have access to these lists as they usually are published in local newspapers and may call you saying that they are an IRS official and that they are calling you to collect the money you owe.
Internet Phishing: No matter how pressing the IRS officials can be to make you file your taxes, they do not send emails. Therefore, you should never reply or share sensitive information as your Social Security Number or any other important data in an email that seems to be sent by this federal office.
Tax Preparer Scams: If you need help to file your taxes, it is highly advisable that you hire an accountant that has been recommended to you by a close friend or relative. Fraudsters are said to place ads as tax accountants so that they can get access to your information.
