IRS begins fight against tax fraud
January 11, 2012 – 9:57 amMore and more people are being duped each year as cybercriminals commit identity theft and tax fraud. But the IRS is fighting back.
The IRS has created a special section on its website specifically designed to aid tax fraud victims. The new section includes tips for taxpayers and a special guide to assistance, which includes everything from how to contact the IRS identity theft unit to how to protect yourself from phishing attacks. The IRS is also taking steps to prevent identity theft during the upcoming tax season, and to catch tax fraud before it happens.
Two of the ways the IRS is working to prevent identity theft are a pilot program, which started in 2010, to mark the accounts of deceased taxpayers to prevent misuse, and the use of special PIN numbers for taxpayers. In addition, the IRS is working to speed up case resolution for those who are victims of tax fraud.
If you receive a written notice from the IRS stating that you may have been victimized by an identity thief, you should follow the instructions contained within the letter. If you discover on your own that you may have been the victim of identity theft or tax fraud, contact the IRS immediately so the agency can secure your account. You can contact the agency at 1-800-908-4490. You will also need to complete Form 14039, which is an identity theft affidavit.
Protect your information. Never give out your Social Security number unless you are sure of the person you are giving it to, and that you know how it will be used and what will be done with it afterward. You should also be bold about asking questions about the use and protection of your SSN, whenever it is requested. Don’t be afraid to ask if an alternative form of identification can be used.
Tags: identity theft, Identity Theft Prevention, Social Security card theft, tax fraud, tax fraud prevention
