When identity theft takes place over the internet, it is called phishing. The good news is that you can help shut down these schemes and prevent others from being victimized. If you receive a suspicious e-mail that claims to come from the IRS, you can relay that e-mail to a new IRS mailbox, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I simply forwarded the e-mail I received to this address.
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your person information such as your name, Social Security number or other identifying information without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Typically, identity thieves use someone’s personal data to empty the victim’s financial accounts, run up charges on the victim’s existing credit cards, apply for new loans, credit cards, services or benefits in the victim’s name, file fraudulent tax returns or even commit crimes.
What can we do? Stay alert, ask questions, and never give out personal information on the telephone or over the internet. When I forwarded the e-mail I received to the address given by the IRS web-site they immediately responded and said, “Please note that the IRS does not contact individuals by email. Therefore, if you receive an email claiming to be from the IRS it is a phishing attempt and should be reported to us.”
The three ways to avoid Identity Theft is Deter – Detect – Defend
- Deter identity thieves by safeguarding your information
- Detect suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements.
- And Defend against ID theft as soon as you suspect it.
Purdue Extension Services wants to educate the public on how they can improve their lives and this is just one safeguard we can all take to ensure our records stay safe.
Anyone wanting more information on this topic can contact me at the Extension Office in Winamac at 574-946-3412 or Knox at 574-772-9141.
Source: IRS.gov
