It is a sad reality that tax-related identity theft is a growing epidemic in the U.S. If you’ve become the victim ID theft, here is a checklist of things you can do to safeguard yourself from subsequent problems:
The Checklist for Tax-Related ID Theft Victims
First, file a report with your local police and file a complaint with the FTC at www.identitytheft.gov or by calling at 1-877-438-4338.
Report the Crime
Contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian, or Transunion — and ask that a fraud alert be placed on your credit records.
Request a Fraud Alert
You can purchase a credit and fraud monitoring service, which provides instant alerts whenever anyone attempts to open a credit account in your name. This can be an effective backup to fraud alerts.
Consider Enrolling in Credit Monitoring Programs
Call the IRS to inform them about the fraud. To clear your tax record, complete IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. You can use a fillable form at www.IRS.gov, print it, then mail or fax it.
Contact the IRS
Close any credit or financial account that has been tampered with by a thief or operated without your permission.
Close Fraudulent Accounts
Continue to pay your taxes and file your tax returns on time, to avoid becoming a victim of the scam.
Pay Your Taxes
If you contacted the IRS about taxpayer ID theft and did not receive a resolution, contact the Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490 about your case.
Stay Attentive
To Learn More Visit www.taxdefensenetwork.com Or Call (800) 691-5390
Source: Levin, Adam. “The Simple Way to Keep Your Tax Refund Safe.” Credit.com. Credit.com Inc., 3 December 2015. Web. 18 January 2016. <http://blog.credit.com/2015/12/thesimple-way-to-keep-your-tax-refund-safe-131435/>