Protect Personal Information

November 03, 2015  /  Will Kruse

  • Don’t routinely carry your social security card or documents with your SSN. 
  • Do not overshare personal information on social media. Information about past addresses, a new car, a new home and your children help identity thieves pose as you. 
  • Keep old tax returns and tax records under lock and key or encrypted if electronic. Shred tax documents before trashing.
  • Avoid IRS Impersonators. The IRS will not call you with threats of jail or lawsuits. The IRS will not send you an unsolicited email suggesting you have a refund or that you need to update your account. The IRS will not request any sensitive information online.
  • These are all scams, and they are persistent. Don’t fall for them. 
  • Forward IRS-related scam emails to phishing@irs.gov. Report IRS-impersonation telephone calls at www.tigta.gov.

 

From IRS publication 4524.

 

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