The Internet serves many good purposes but also helps thieves steal your information. CNN reports that thieves can easily obtain personal information, such as social security numbers, from online databases, hospitals, car dealers, and any other business that stores personal information. Further, thieves file an online tax return with stolen information and fake income. Then the criminals buy a debit card and return the money to the card. Since the IRS does not check the return until it sends the return, the thieves have already spent the money and fled before the IRS can return the money.
Some thieves have created a tax claimant website. They offer to prepare customer returns at a bargain price but instead of preparing income on behalf of the client, the thief uses the personal information of customers to submit fictitious returns and money back. In order to protect yourself from this, you can hire Corporate Secretarial Services. However, here are the following points to protect yourself from fraud tax returns:
- Do Not Respond to Online Requests
Have you received an email from the IRS stating that they need more information about you that you are being electronically audited? According to the IRS website, it does not attempt to contact taxpayers by electronic means, including email, social networks or text messages. If you receive a message that it is in the IRS, send it to the IRS for phishing.
- Contact IRS Directly
The legal correspondence with the IRS will be sent via mail but this does not mean that all mail you receive is real. If you suspect that the letter is fake, go to the IRS website and find the phone number of the nearest IRS office. Contact them to make sure that the information you received is real. Do not name the number in the letter until you find that it matches the number on the IRS website.
- Provide Your Computer Security and Protection
You can do your best to protect your computer against hackers even if you are not tech-savvy. Keeping your password unique will save you from fraud and theft. Make sure you are changing your password on a regular basis, just once in two months. Never allow your computer or any financial site to save your password automatically. Update your computer software regularly, which will allow protection against viruses and spam. Always use a firewall, anti-virus and anti-spam programs. Make sure that the hard drive has been cleaned or professionally destroyed if you recycle your old computer.
- Watch Your Mail
Postal mail dies a slow death, and consumers do not check it as closely as in the past. If a fictitious return was filed before or after you applied, the IRS will send you an email notifying you of this issue. This may be the only way to find out that you are a victim.
- Order a Transcript
Do you know you can order a copy of your tax return? Go to the IRS website to order a transcript and compare it with your personal records. If returns do not match, contact the IRS immediately.
- Protecting your Information
Personal data collectors are complex and can receive your information, despite all your efforts. However, this does not mean that common-sense measures do not work. Do not carry a social security card, do not enter personal information on a site that does not have a web address that begins with “https”, and do not provide identifying information to anyone that you are not sure you can trust.
Finally, order your free credit reports online in the annual report every year and make sure all of the accounts listed are accurate.
What if You are a Victim?
If you suspect that you are a victim of identity fraud related to your tax return, go to the IRS website and fill out the form. The form asks you to provide information about your case, including why you consider yourself a victim, affected tax years and personal identification information. Along with the form, send one or more of the following documents like passport, social security card, driver’s license, or ID issued by the government. You can also use the form to alert the IRS if you are a victim of identity theft outside of your tax returns.
Bottom Line
It is reported that although identity theft is rampant, most cases are not related to tax returns. Regardless of the fact that actively protecting your personality is the best defence you can take. For this, you can choose the experts for Accounting Services in Singapore. Keep track of credit reports, credit card statements, and other financial information. Also, do not share your personal information with anyone who asks. If this is a person or business that you do not trust, pay in cash.
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