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Experts say that one of the easiest ways for an identity thief to get money is to use another person’s Social Security Number (SSN) to file a tax return and then later on claim for a refund. This is usually done early during the tax season before the victim files for a return. Victims are usually unaware that their name and their Social Security Number have been used until they file for a tax return later on. They usually make the discovery when they are informed by the IRS that two returns under their name have been filed.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is very much aware of this problem, authorities say and the said agency is trying its best to stop forgers from filing fake returns. Just last week, the U.S. Justice Department and the IRS did a national sweep to be rid of suspected identity thieves. The IRS reportedly also stepped up its efforts in spotting false tax returns before they issue refunds.
If you are unaware of such a problem and this is your first time to hear of such an activity by identity thieves, it would be best to read more about it to make sure that you do not become a victim of identity theft.
If you get a notice from the IRS that you have more than one tax return it may be time to take appropriate action and inform the IRS immediately. Other red flags include refund offset, having balance due, or receiving wages from a company you are not affiliated with.
If you think that another person used your identity or used your Social Security Number fraudulently, it would be best to get in touch with the IRS immediately or else you would be ruining your records and your life. You would have to go to the IRS as soon as possible too to get an affidavit for identity theft. This affidavit is Form 14039.
If you did not get any notifications from the IRS but feel that you are at risk, you can contact the specialized unit of the IRS for identity protection. Their number is 800-908-4490.
To prevent becoming an identity theft victim, the IRS recommends that you leave all your documents that contain your SSN at home or in a safe place. You should make sure that no one else has access to your SSN other than yourself because this is very important data. It would also be best to not give your information to people you do not know i.e. to businesses because this data is personal and should not be handled by anyone else except you and of course the government. If your SSN is required when filling up a form, you should ask why it is required. If it is optional, never put it in.
Checking your credit report is also a good idea. Experts say that checking it every 12 months is ideal but checking more often is much better especially if you think you may be at risk of having your identity stolen.
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