Identity theft is a crime that involves the illegal acquisition and use of a person’s personal information. It normally begins when someone loses their identity information, or if it is stolen. The identity thieves then fraudulently file a tax return and claim a return using the stolen identity. The identity thief may also use this information to acquire work. Unfortunately, the legitimate taxpayer may be in the dark concerning the fraudulent activity until they file their return unknowingly, and it is discovered that two returns have been filed using identical Social Security numbers. Therefore, it is important to stay vigilant in protecting one’s private information in order to avoid being the victim of an identity theft.

Here are some of the ways you can avoid being a victim of this vicious crime:

1. You should always be aware that the IRS NEVER initiates contact with taxpayers directly via email to request personal or financial information. Be wary of emails that state you are being electronically audited or are due to receive a refund.

2. Emails claiming to be from the IRS amount to a crime called phishing. If you receive a scam email, forward it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.

3. Identity thieves may obtain your personal information by a variety of means, including:

　　 * Robbery –stealing your wallet or purse
　　 * Posing as someone who is seeking information about you through a phone call or e-mail
　　 * Going through your trash for personal information
　　 * Information you provide to an unsecured Internet site may be accessed remotely.

4. Some illegal websites may claim to be belonging to the IRS, and are a key means by which identity theft is carried out. If you discover a website that claims to be the IRS but does not begin with ‘www.irs.gov,’ forward that link to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.

5. It is possible to identify a secure and an insecure website. Insecure websites may be used to illegally acquire stolen identity information. To learn how to identify a secure website, visit the Federal Trade Commission at www.onguardonline.gov/tools/recognize-secure-site-using-ssl.aspx

6. Stolen identity information may be used by another person to get a job. The person’s employer may report the income earned by them to the IRS using your Social Security number. This may make it seem like you did not disclose all your income. When this occurs, report to the IRS that the income is not yours, and your records will be updated to include only information belonging to you. You will also be required to authenticate your identity to prevent any similar occurrence in the future.

7. To identify if your identity has been stolen, the letter from the IRS will indicate more than one tax return was filed, or if the letter states you received wages from an employer you do not know. If you receive any such letter, please respond immediately to the name, address, or phone number indicated in the IRS notice.

8. If you believe you may be at risk of identity theft due to a lost wallet, a doubtful credit report, or questionable credit card activity, you are required to provide the IRS with proof of your identity, submit a copy of your valid government-issued identification – such as a Social Security card, driver’s license, or passport – along with a copy of a police report and/or a completed IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, which should be faxed to the IRS at 978-684-4542. Also contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit, toll-free at 800-908-4490.　In addition, follow Federal Trade Council guidance for reporting identity theft at www.ftc.gov/idtheft.

9. Do not carry your card or documents displaying your Social Security number often, and ensure you show your Social Security card to your employer when you start a job, or to your bank for tax reporting purposes.

10. In case you need additional information regarding identity theft, such as how to report phishing, identity theft and related fraudulent activity visit the IRS Identity Theft and Your Tax Records page.

11. IRS impersonation spawns during tax seasons and may take various forms, ranging from physical mail to even tweets. If you receive any communication claiming to be from IRS but you suspect it may be fraudulent, contact the IRS to confirm its legitimacy. If it is, reply if needed, and contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484 if it is not. You may also fax the notice/ letter received to the TIGTA, FAX number 1-202-927-7018.

12. Use a strong password to protect the data file while preparing your tax return for electronic filing. Upon filing, remove the personal information from your hard drive and burn it onto a cd or flash drive, which should then be stored in a safe place. If working with a tax professional, enquire about the information protection measures taken.

13. You may also file an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov., which gives victims of cyber-crime a reporting mechanism that alerts the authorities of suspected violations. The system sends every complaint to all law enforcement or regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over the issues.

Identity theft is a crime according to the law. It may, however, be stopped at its inception if people take the necessary care and caution with regard to their identity information, to avoid inconveniences.