Tax season is a prime window for scammers and identity thieves. They’ll try everything to get your personal information… or steal your information to claim your tax refund. Here are a few tips to remember to help protect yourself and your accounts:
- Don’t trust unsolicited “alleged” IRS contact. The IRS will first send notices by mail — it does not initiate first contact by email, phone, text, automated message, or social media.
- The IRS doesn’t accept gift cards or prepaid debit cards as payment.
- File as early as possible. Doing so means less chance a criminal can steal your refund.
- Vet your tax preparer. Avoid “ghost preparers” who refuse to sign or offer credentials.
- Protect your accounts using two-factor authentication. If you use tax preparation software, make sure it includes this extra layer of security.
- Shred documents containing any personal data.
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Monitor your credit report annually. You can receive a free copy of your credit report, yearly, from each of the three major credit agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Learn more and request yours at annualcreditreport.com.
If you suspect you’re a victim of identity theft, contact CEFCU right away to protect your financial accounts.
Then, immediately file a report at identitytheft.gov. Another resource for filing a report, especially if you file your taxes online, is the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. For more helpful fraud prevention tips, check out consumer.ftc.gov.
