Avoiding identity theft during the tax season

While many consumers start ramping up their preparations for the tax season, they should keep identity theft on their minds as well as how much they may get in a return.

Recently, ID Analytics, a firm that provides identity theft support, said there are a number of things consumers can do to protect their identity during the tax season. Thomas Oscherwitz, chief privacy officer for the company, said that people should keep an eye on their mailboxes for their tax forms.

Any missing forms could act as a sign that a person’s identity has been compromised. Furthermore, tax filers should lock their forms away in a safe location that is out of the public eye.

The company also notes that the Internal Revenue Service does not approach people about tax issues through emails.

"Tax time is a prime time for fraudsters to target consumers with phony emails asking for their personal information," ID Analytics said.

Regardless of whether it involves taxes, experts note that consumers should be wary of any emails purporting to be from the government or their financial institutions. When in doubt, consumers should contact the organization that is allegedly attempting to interact with them.

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