Tax identity theft occurs when an identity thief uses a taxpayer’s stolen identity to file a fraudulent return and claim the identity theft victim’s tax refund. Thieves invent phony wages or other income, submit the information electronically, and receive the fraudulent refund via mail or direct deposit.
What is the phone number for the IRS identity theft?
- The IRS also advises that, if you believe you may become a victim of identity theft, you should call the Identity Protection Specialized Unit (IPSU), toll-free at 1-800-908-4490.
How can tax identity theft happen?
Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen personal information, including your Social Security number, to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must file a paper return.
Can someone steal your tax ID?
Your tax data can be stolen in a number of ways: theft of mail or tax returns, corrupt tax-preparation services, phishing emails from impostors, or hacks of tax firms and employers’ personnel records. Some tax scammers file in the name of deceased taxpayers, or steal children’s identities to claim them as dependents.
What is the most common cause of identity theft?
Learn 11 of the most common ways of identity theft can happen.
- Fake Websites.
- Impersonation Scams or Confidence Fraud.
- Data Breaches.
- Skimming.
- Public Wi-Fi and USB Charging Stations.
- Purchase of Information on the Dark Web.
- Theft by a Family Member or Friend.
- Theft of a Wallet, Mail, or Even Trash.
How can I find out if someone filed taxes in my name?
Consult With the IRS IRS officials can review the current status of your tax return to determine whether or not someone has already filed a return using your identity. Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-0433 if you think someone has filed your taxes without your permission.
How can tax identity theft occur quizlet?
This Identity Theft shows itself through fraudulent tax refund claims. Criminals send these claims to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) using stolen personal details such as your social security number (SSN) and name. This can delay your ability to access legitimate tax refunds, causing frustration and loss of funds.
What are 2 possible actions you can take to prevent having your identity stolen?
How to Prevent Identity Theft
- Freeze your credit.
- Collect mail daily.
- Review credit card and bank statements regularly.
- Shred documents containing personal information before disposing of them.
- Create different passwords for your accounts.
- Review credit reports annually.
- Install antivirus software.
What can someone do with my tax ID?
Once someone gets your EIN number, he can establish corporate credit card accounts, business banking accounts and even establish personal credit without your knowing it. The theft of your EIN can be combined with thieves accessing your mail.
What do I do if someone stole my tax documents?
Call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit right away at 800-908-4490. Create a file with every piece of paperwork you can get your hands on, dating back several years, to help prove you are who you say you are. File a police report and an IRS ID Theft Affidavit Form 14039.
What happens if someone filed taxes in your name?
If someone uses your information to file a fraudulent tax return, he or she is looking to get your tax refund. You’ll want to work with the IRS as soon as you discover the identity theft to ensure that your actual return is processed as quickly as possible.
Why is it so easy to steal a person’s identity?
Critical is personally identifiable information, or PII—data that could potentially be used to identify an individual. Each of these is considered PII. The more of it an identity thief has— linked to a specific person —the easier it may be for the thief to steal that person’s identity.
Do identity thieves get caught?
Are identity thieves ever caught? Identity theft statistics for 2020 are not available yet; however, 2006 research showed that federal authorities arrest only 0.14% of the criminals (one person in 700 identity theft suspects). In contrast, nearly 45% of violent crime and 16% of property crime suspects were arrested.
What are the 5 most common types of identity theft?
Driver’s License Identity Theft. Mail Identity Theft. Online Shopping Fraud. Social Security Number Identity Theft.
What to do if someone claimed me on their taxes without my permission?
You should call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report the error and ask them how to proceed. This number is available 24/7 and will help you proceed in handling the error. In addition, you may want to print and mail your return because it generally takes 15 days for the IRS to update their records.
How can I check if my SSN is being used?
To see if your Social Security number is being used by someone else for employment purposes, review your Social Security Statement at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to look for suspicious activity. Finally, you’ll want to use additional scrutiny by regularly checking your bank and credit card accounts online.
What if someone filed my taxes without me knowing?
When you discover another a tax return has been filed with your Social Security number, you’ll use IRS Form 14039 to alert the IRS. After you complete Form 14039, mail it to the IRS with a copy of your Social Security card and driver’s license.