IRS scams increase around tax season, so it's important to be vigilant and keep your data safe. As you navigate your financial journey this tax season, here are some things to consider and tips you can use to protect yourself against fraud and ensure your hard-earned money stays where it belongs – in your pocket!
Common IRS Scams
Recognizing threats is your first line of defense. Be cautious of impersonators posing as IRS agents or tax professionals, particularly through unconventional means like email, text, or social media. The IRS primarily communicates through traditional mail. If someone claiming to be from the IRS requests personal information through phone calls, texts, or emails, it's likely a scam.
Protection Tip: Be wary of unsolicited communications. Verify the legitimacy of any contact by reaching out to the IRS through trusted and official channels.
Adding Extra Layers
Protect your online activities by using strong, unique passwords for your tax accounts. Regularly change passwords and consider implementing two-factor authentication to enhance your defenses against cybercriminals.
Protection Tip: Keep your passwords complex and update them regularly. Enable two-factor authentication for an added layer of security. If you struggle to remember complex passwords, consider using password management software.
Physical Document Security
Safeguard your physical documents from identity theft. Shred old tax documents, receipts, and paperwork containing personal information before discarding. This simple step can prevent identity thieves from dumpster diving for information. If you plan to send confidential information, we recommend sending it as certified mail.
Protection Tip: Shred old documents regularly to safeguard against identity theft and dumpster diving.
Guarding Personal Information
Treat your Social Security number as a valuable asset. Share it only when necessary and exclusively with trusted entities. Your Social Security number is a prime target for identity thieves, and protecting it is crucial to securing your financial identity. For more tips on how to protect your identity, check out our Preventing Identity Theft article.
Protection Tip: Limit the sharing of your Social Security number and provide it only to trustworthy entities.
Credit Monitoring
Consider implementing credit monitoring services to stay informed about any suspicious activities or changes in your credit report. This additional layer of protection can alert you to potential fraud early on, allowing you to take prompt action.
Protection Tip: Explore credit monitoring options to enhance your overall financial security during tax season and beyond. Jovia has partnered with IdentityIQ to provide members with identity theft protection and credit monitoring services. Learn more about Jovia’s credit monitoring partner here.
Stay safe this tax season, and for more information on how to keep your personal and account information safe, visit Jovia’s Security Center here.