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WHAT: With the Federal Trade Commission's latest report showing identity theft as the No. 1 complaint by consumers, protecting your identity and safeguarding your personal information is especially important during tax season.
 Here are some tips from Identity Theft 911 to help consumers protect themselves against tax return and identity fraud: eFile-ers:
AVOID SOLICITATIONS
* The IRS never communicates via e-mail.
* If you receive an e-mail claiming to be from the IRS, forward it to
phishing@irs.gov .
* Avoid following links in e-mail and banner ads. Be on the lookout for scams and offers that are too good to be true. Tax time is prime time for scams.
KNOW YOUR TAX PREPARER
* Beware of imposter eFile Web sites. They are rapidly increasing, appear to be legitimate and can cause serious complications. Be sure to go directly to your tax preparer's Web site.
* Almost 98 million Americans are expected to e-file this year. Review your personal information for misuse.
PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER
* Use strong user names and passwords whenever conducting financial transactions online.
* Keep hackers from stealing your information. Install a firewall, virus protection software and keep it updated, keep administrative names and passwords updated, set wireless networks to "no broadcast
" and use encryption. Be sure to power down your computer when not in use.
* Do not store your tax information on your computer. Store sensitive information on an encrypted or password-protect external drive or disk and keep it secured.
* Avoid disposing of or donating computers that contain your past tax information. Use software tools that delete secure data.
Paper-filers:
CAREFULLY CHOOSE YOUR TAX PREPARER
* Many fraud rings front as tax preparation companies who may steal personal information, redirect your return, or offer to fraudulently review your returns for inaccuracies.
* Research your preparer with the Better Business Bureau and IRS Office of Professional Responsibility to verify the status of their license.
* Be aware of telephone scams as well.
REVIEW YOUR RETURNS
* Paid preparers are required to sign your return and complete all preparer sections requesting their ID number.
* Never sign a blank or incomplete return.
All Taxpayers
WATCH FOR YOUR STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
* Your annual Social Security Statement with its taxable earnings record will identify all individuals working in the United States under your Social Security Number. You should receive it approximately three months before your birthday.
* Monitor your mailbox and look out for W-2s, 1099s and other official tax forms.
PROTECT YOUR TAX DOCUMENTS
* Mail your returns from a USPS office via certified mail.
* Opt for direct deposit of tax returns to avoid lost/stolen refund checks.
* Safely store all tax-related documents including your paystubs, W-2s and tax returns in a secured location such as a safe deposit box or immobile safe.
REVIEW YOUR CREDIT REPORT
* Examine your credit report and monitor your accounts to ensure they are not being used to purchase goods or services in your name.
DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO FILE YOUR RETURN
For more information, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490.
http://www.irs.gov/privacy/article/0,,id=186436,00.html
For more information about how to safeguard their identities in general and during tax season, consumers should visit www.identitytheft911.org.
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