FAQ: How Common Is Identity Theft When It Comes to Taxes?

Identity theft related to taxes can occur, but its prevalence can vary from year to year and from one region to another. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States, for example, has taken significant measures to combat tax-related identity theft, which includes fraudulent tax return filings using stolen personal information. Some factors to consider:

1. Frequency: The frequency of tax-related identity theft has been a concern in recent years, particularly in the United States. The IRS has reported thousands of cases annually.
2. Security Measures: Tax authorities have implemented various security measures to detect and prevent identity theft, such as using the taxpayer’s social security number (SSN) for verification and issuing Identity Protection PINs (IP PINs) to some individuals.
3. Technological Advances: Criminals may adapt to new technologies and tactics to steal personal information and commit identity theft. As technology evolves, so do the methods used by cybercriminals.
4. Geographical Variations: The prevalence of tax-related identity theft can also vary by region or country, depending on the effectiveness of security measures and the sophistication of criminal networks.
5. Reporting and Enforcement: Reporting and enforcement can affect how common identity theft related to taxes appears to be. Increased reporting and enforcement may lead to higher numbers of detected cases.

To protect yourself from tax-related identity theft, you can take precautions such as safeguarding your personal information, regularly checking your credit reports, and filing your tax returns promptly to reduce the window of opportunity for potential fraudsters. Additionally, using security features provided by tax authorities, like the IP PIN mentioned earlier, can help enhance your protection.

It’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments and security measures implemented by tax authorities in your country to better understand the current landscape of tax-related identity theft.

1. Safeguard Personal Information:
   • Store important documents like your Social Security card, birth certificate, and passport in a secure place.
   • Don’t carry unnecessary personal information (e.g., Social Security card) in your wallet or purse.
2. Use Strong Passwords:
   • Create complex, unique passwords for online accounts.
   • Use a password manager to generate and store passwords securely.
   • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
3. Be Cautious with Personal Information:
   • Be cautious about sharing personal information online, especially on social media.
   • Avoid responding to unsolicited requests for personal or financial information via phone, email, or text.
4. Regularly Check Financial Statements:
   • Review bank, credit card, and financial statements regularly for unauthorized transactions.
   • Set up account alerts for unusual activity.
5. Secure Your Mail:
   • Retrieve your mail promptly, especially bills and financial statements.
   • Consider using a mailbox with a lock.
6. Shred Sensitive Documents:
   • Shred documents containing personal information before disposing of them.
7. Protect Your Social Security Number (SSN):
   • Don’t carry your SSN card with you.
   • Be cautious about sharing your SSN, and ask why it’s necessary if requested.
8. Be Wary of Phishing Scams:
   • Don’t click on links or download attachments from suspicious emails.
   • Verify the legitimacy of requests for personal information, especially if they’re unexpected.
9. Monitor Your Credit Reports:
   • Obtain and review your credit reports from the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) annually.
   • Consider using a credit monitoring service for ongoing monitoring.
10. Use Identity Theft Protection Services:
    • Consider subscribing to an identity theft protection service that provides alerts and assistance in case of suspicious activity.
11. Secure Your Devices:
    • Keep your computer, smartphone, and other devices up to date with the latest security updates.
    • Use antivirus and anti-malware software.
    • Be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
12. Lock Your Devices:
    • Use PINs, passwords, or biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint or face recognition) to secure your devices.
13. Dispose of Electronics Properly:
    • Wipe personal data from devices before selling or disposing of them.
14. Educate Yourself:
    • Stay informed about common scams and identity theft tactics.
    • Educate family members, especially children and elderly relatives, about online safety.
15. File Taxes Early:
    • File your tax returns as early as possible to reduce the risk of tax-related identity theft.

Identity theft can have serious financial and emotional consequences. By following these best practices and staying vigilant, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to identity theft and better protect your personal and financial information. If you have questions please contact us at (206) 838-3800 or info@ygacpa.com.