By Sally P. Schreiber, J.D. February 10, 2016 The IRS revealed on Tuesday that it discovered and stopped an automated cyberattack on its e-filing personal identification number (PIN) system last month. According to the IRS, the cybercriminals used information stolen “elsewhere outside the IRS” to generate e-file PINs for stolen Social Security numbers (SSNs). E-file PINs
IRS Safeguards for Identity Theft new this year. Because of improved protections in recent years, the Internal Revenue Service stops the vast majority of fraudulent tax returns using stolen identities. But identity thieves and criminal syndicates continue to persist and evolve. As the threat has changed, so has the IRS. In a new era […]
IRS Security Awareness Tip Number 8 1. Tips to Keep Tax Records Secure Protect from Identity Theft If you’re still keeping old tax returns and receipts stuffed in a shoe box stuck in the back of the closet, you might want to rethink that approach. The IRS has teamed up with state revenue departments and […]
IRS YouTube Video: Security Summit Identity Theft Tips Overview – English Taxes.Security.Together. – English WASHINGTON –In coordination with the state revenue departments and the tax industry, the Internal Revenue Service today released the first in a series of YouTube video tax tips designed to provide people critical information to help protect their tax and financial data.
The IRS, the states and the tax industry urge you to be safe online and remind you to take important steps to help protect your tax and financial information and guard against identity theft. Treat your personal information like cash – don’t hand it out to just anyone. Your Social Security number, credit card numbers, […]
If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, you should contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a “fraud alert” on your credit account. This critically important step makes it harder for identity thieves to open additional financial accounts, such as a bank account, in your name. This helps prevent […]
For families with children and aging parents, it’s important to make sure everyone guards their personal information online and at home. It may be time for “the conversation.” The IRS, state revenue departments and the tax industry have teamed up to combat identity theft in the tax arena. Our theme: Taxes. Security. Together. Working in partnership
It’s time to have a word about your password. Many of us use the same sign-on and password over and over for our online accounts. That’s why phishing scams, which often seek password information, are so successful. Once a criminal has your password for one account, it’s highly likely you’ve used the same sign-on information […]
The theft of your identity, especially personal information such as your name, Social Security number, address and children’s names, can be traumatic and frustrating. In this online era, it’s important to always be on guard. The IRS has teamed up with state revenue departments and the tax industry to make sure you understand the dangers […]
“Update your account now.” “You just won a cruise!” “The IRS has a refund waiting for you.” In the cyber world of phishing, the sentences are “bait” – lures from emails, telephone calls and texts all designed to separate you from your cash, your passwords, your social security number or your very identity. The IRS […]