Tax season for 2024 has begun and
while many people worry about IRS audits, a bigger risk is tax-identity theft.
Scammers are targeting personal information and it has been recorded that
recent data breach has exposed 2.9 billion records including Social Security
numbers. With more than 140 million individuals filing for tax, nearly 40% of
taxpayers relying on refunds to make ends meet. This threat is a serious
economic concern. Fraudulent activities could potentially decrease total tax
revenue or cause individuals who rely on refunds to incur extra debt while
working to resolve these issues.
To protect yourself, it is important
to file your tax return early and consider using an IRS identity protection PIN.
Filing early can help prevent fraudsters from using your Social Security number
to file a fake return. If you decide to work with a tax professional, make sure
they use secure online processes rather than email to share sensitive
information. Check that your tax preparer signs your tax returns with a valid
Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and use trusted directories like the
IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers to verify their credentials.
Staying alert to scams is also
essential. The IRS typically communicates by mail and does not send initial
messages via email or text. So if you receive an unexpected message claiming to
be from the IRS and asking for personal or financial details, do not click on
any links or provide your information. Scammers may promise large refunds,
credits, or even pandemic-related payments as a trick. Understanding
these risks is important because identity theft can lead to significant
financial problems.
source
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/07/its-tax-season-prepare-for-fake-irs-emails-texts-scams.html
1 comment:
This is an important and timely issue, especially with the rise in tax-related identity theft. Many people focus on IRS audits, but the risk of scammers stealing personal information is just as concerning, if not more. Filing early and using an IRS identity protection PIN are great preventive measures. It’s also crucial to verify tax preparers and stay cautious of unexpected emails or texts claiming to be from the IRS. Tax season should be about securing refunds, not dealing with fraud, so spreading awareness on this issue is definitely valuable. Thanks for sharing this insight!
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