Here are some proactive steps you can take to protect yourselves from tax-related identity theft after your Social Security numbers are exposed:
- Monitor your credit reports: Regularly review your credit reports from all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) for any unauthorized activity. You can access your free annual credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Consider a credit freeze: A credit freeze prevents new accounts from being opened in your names without your explicit consent. This can help deter identity thieves from using your Social Security numbers to obtain credit.
- File your tax returns early: Filing your tax returns as soon as possible can help prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent returns in your names.
- Be cautious of phishing scams: Be on the lookout for emails, phone calls, or text messages claiming to be from the IRS or other government agencies. These scams often attempt to trick people into providing personal information.
- Use strong, unique passwords: Protect your online accounts with strong, unique passwords to prevent unauthorized access.
- Be wary of public Wi-Fi: Avoid conducting sensitive financial transactions on public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be less secure.
If you suspect your identity has been compromised, you should report the incident to the IRS and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
IRS:
- Phone: 1-800-908-4357
- Online: You can file a complaint online through the IRS’s Identity Theft Victim Assistance Program: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/how-irs-id-theft-victim-assistance-works
FTC:
- Phone: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
- Online: You can file a complaint online through the FTC’s Identity Theft Report: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/topics/identity-theft/report-identity-theft
You can also visit the FTC’s website for additional information and resources on identity theft prevention and recovery: https://www.ftc.gov/
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Clergy Financial Resources serves as a resource for clients to help analyze the complexity of clergy tax law, church payroll & HR issues. Our professionals are committed to helping clients stay informed about tax news, developments and trends in various specialty areas.
This article is intended to provide readers with guidance in tax matters. The article does not constitute, and should not be treated as professional advice regarding the use of any particular tax technique. Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information. Clergy Financial Resources and the author do not assume responsibility for any individual’s reliance upon the information provided in the article. Readers should independently verify all information before applying it to a particular fact situation, and should independently determine the impact of any particular tax planning technique. If you are seeking legal advice, you are encouraged to consult an attorney.
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