Identity Theft Fraud: Tis The (Tax) Season

For the eighth year in a row identity theft tops the list as the number one consumer complaint. Those are the findings of the Federal Trade Commission and given that last year almost ten million people fell victim, it's easy to see why.

After having been on the decline from 2004-2007, identity theft crimes increased by twenty two percent last year according to Javelin Research. There may be a number or reasons for the spike but a major part arguably is the current economic state many of us are experiencing.

That's why it is crucial to make sure that money you earned throughout the year gets to you without any hassles. Identity theft and tax season go hand in hand.

Stay alert on and offline to some potential scams looking to separate you from your check.

1. The Contact

You get an email from the IRS that looks certified or a phone call from a very government sounding employee. The email wants you to click on a link of some sort and the employee needs to verify something on your return.

The IRS already has your information. They sent you the book with your name and address on it. Your social has been on file before you started paying taxes. What personal information would they need that they do not already have? If you do receive an email don't click on any links and report it to your internet service provider. In the case of a phone call contact local law enforcement or your attorney general's office.

2. The Form

While it could be classified under contact, the form is truly unique to identity theft. An email arrives to you from the Taxpayer Advocate Service. What makes this different is the TPS is a legitimate organization that few of us have ever heard of. It helps people with unresolved tax issues and operates within the jurisdiction of the IRS.

The email states that you are entitled to a specific amount on your tax refund but to do so you need to complete the "IRS form" by clicking on the link. You are then directed to an official looking IRS page which asks you for everything about yourself up to but not including what you ate for breakfast on Tuesday. The form goes to great lengths to mine as much of your personal information as you are willing to give.

Just keep in mind that you never have to claim a tax refund by filling out a separate form. The books the government provides are all you need.

3. The Preparer

If you do your own taxes so much the better. Or you could continue to use someone you have trusted for many years. That's fine too but one caveat to remember about identity theft is that fifty percent of the perpetrators are known by the victims. That is not to say you should not continue to utilize there services but it is a suggestion to be a little more vigilant with your information.

If they are new tax preparers than check them out thoroughly. It doesn't matter if a relative tells you how much of a refund this person got them. They are still new to you so do some homework and check out them out. Word of mouth is wonderful advertising but nothing is absolute.

Right now many of us are experiencing a cash shortfall so it's important to get and keep as much money as possible. Your tax refund is a big part of that. Be alert to any suspicious emails or phone calls and guard your private information diligently. Whether you're hurting or not is of no concern to identity thieves. Just like you, they are anxiously awaiting your refund check.

Article written by Daryl Campbell at Identity Theft and Fraud. Stealing your refund check is bad enough, unfortunately it is only the tip of the iceberg.