Avoid Common Tax Scams [VIDEO]
By Robert Siciliano April 11, 2012 | 03:30 PMPosted in: Personal Safety
Video Transcript:
I’m Robert Siciliano, personal security and identity theft expert, reminding tax payers to use caution during tax season to protect against identity theft.
Scam #1: Phishing Scams
Unsolicited emails or text messages that appear to be from the IRS—just delete them. The IRS does not send emails or texts to consumers.
Scam #2: Rogue Tax Preparers
Questionable prepares have been known to skim off their clients refunds and sometimes out right steal them.
Protect yourself: 1. Use a local, trusted accountant—someone you know, like and trust
2. Protect all your data. All sensitive documents must be secured the moment they arrive in your mailbox.
3. Shred all non-essential paperwork, check with your accountant to determine what you need and what you don’t need. Use a cross cut shredder to destroy unneeded documentation
4. Go paperless, whenever possible opt out to receive electronic statements in your inbox as opposed to your mail box.
5. File early. The earlier you file the more quickly you will thwart a criminals attempt to file on your behalf and collect your refund.
6. Protect your PC. A comprehensive security software on your computers operating system should be installed with anti-spyware, anti-phishing, and anti-virus.
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Preventing Identity Theft at Home
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