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Bondi Statement On Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week

By  //  January 27, 2015

ABOVE VIDEO: Find out what the IRS is doing to combat identity theft and the first steps victims should take. Video courtesy of IRS.

IRS Identity Theft 560

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.

Consumers can file complaints about tax-related scams and other types of fraud by calling the Attorney General’s toll-free fraud hotline at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226) or visitingMyFloridaLegal.com.