With forms, deadlines and confusing laws on top of your day-to-day responsibilities, ID Theft may be the last thing on your mind this tax season. Which might explain why identity thieves have made tax season their ‘prime-time’.
There is no other period when sensitive information is being mailed or transmitted more frequently than during the first quarter of each year.
Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in Washington state, and identity thieves are constantly inventing new ways to access your information. As you collect forms and prepare your taxes this year, please keep in mind a few rules:
1. Be alert. Your awareness is your most important weapon in protecting your identity.
2. Invest in a locking mailbox. Tax forms contain virtually all of your personal data – a jackpot for identity thieves! Mail documents only from secure mailboxes or from the post office.
3. File early. If a thief gets hold of your W-2 information, they can quite easily e-file for you, then steal your tax refund by having it deposited in their own bank account.
4. Don’t fall for these scams: Tax preparers telling their clients they needed to “pay back” stimulus payments, crooks calling to collect “fees” from unassuming people who may be behind on their payments, or fraudulent e-mails pretending to be from the IRS to get taxpayers to click links or release personal information.
These are just a few of the tricks that criminals use to get your information. Keep in mind that the IRS does not send e-mails. Thoroughly research your tax preparer before allowing them access to your personal financial information.
5. Bullet-poof your PC. E-filing is a great way to assure a quick and accurate refund. However, it’s now more important than ever to protect your PC with up-to-date firewalls and anti-virus software. Select a strong password and be sure to encrypt your wireless internet network connection.
Did you know that your homeowner’s insurance can provide you with help from expert fraud specialists if you become a victim of identity theft? All our carriers offer this valuable protection. Please click on the company name for more information about identity theft protection programs:
Please give us a call at 425-379-9200 for more information or to add it to your insurance plan.