Bondi Statement On Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week

Bondi Statement On Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — This week is Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, and Attorney General Pam Bondi urges Floridians to be aware of identity theft and tax-related scams during this tax season.

“I encourage Floridians to educate themselves on tax-related scams,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “If anyone feels that they are victim to theft or fraud, they should contact my office immediately at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.”

Tax identity thieves may access personal information in the following ways:
•Going through trash cans and dumpsters to search for bills and documents with sensitive information;
•Calling or emailing individuals to trick them into revealing personal information; and
•Posing as a legitimate tax preparer for the purpose of accessing information.

The following are tips to avoid identity theft and tax fraud:
•File tax returns early in the tax season;
•Use a secure internet connection when filing electronically. Do not use unsecure, publicly available Wi-Fi hotspots;
•Mail tax returns directly from the post office, not from your home;
•Know that the IRS will never initiate contact by email, phone, text or social media. If the IRS needs information, it will first contact by mail;
•Do not give out Social Security numbers unless absolutely necessary;
•Get recommendations and research a tax preparer thoroughly before providing personal information;
•If your Social Security number has been compromised, contact the IRS ID Theft Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490; and
•Check credit reports for free at AnnualCreditReport.com to make sure no accounts are opened in your name.
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