JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
Tax season is here and so is the increased risk of identity theft.
According to the IRS approximately 750,000 taxpayer accounts were accessed by cyber criminals in 2015 and approximately 100,000 taxpayers were compromised through a scheme in which hackers posed as students using an online tool to apply for financial aid in 2017.
IRS Tax Tip 2018-03 outlines simple steps that help people protect data from thieves:
Keep a secure computer
* Use security software that updates automatically. Essential tools for keeping a secure computer include a firewall, virus and malware protection, and file encryption for sensitive data.
* Treat personal information like cash; don't leave it lying around.
* Give personal information only over encrypted websites - look for "https" addresses.
* Use strong passwords and protect them.
Avoid phishing and malware
* Don't respond to phishing emails, texts or calls that appear to be from the IRS, tax companies and other well-known businesses. Instead, verify contact information about a company or agency by going directly to their website.
* Be cautious of email attachments. Think twice before opening them.
* Download and install software only from known and trusted websites.
* Use a pop-up blocker.
Protect personal information
* Don't routinely carry a Social Security card or other documents showing a Social Security number.
* Do not overshare personal info on social media. This includes information about past addresses, a new car, a new home and children.
* Keep old tax returns and tax records under lock and key.
* Safeguard electronic files by encrypting them.
* Shred tax documents before trashing.
Additional IRS Tax Scam and Consumer Alerts can be found at:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts.