Because identity theft is becoming more problematic the IRS has introduced a new pilot program to help combat identity theft. This new program is an effort to expand law enforcement in eight states, including Alabama, Georgia, New Jersey, California, New York, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and Texas.
The IRS will work with identity theft victims to enable them to fill out a disclosure form, giving the IRS permission to investigate identity theft and have full disclosure of their tax returns. Identity theft victims must sign a disclosure and authorization form which allows criminal investigation into identity theft. This may help law enforcement agents track identity theft perpetrators particularly if they attempt to submit a false IRS tax form. Typically victims of identity theft are hit more than one time.
If IRS agents are able to investigate claims and track repeat instances, then the odds are much greater that perpetrators will be caught of the IRS is able to investigate claims. The affidavit will also allow victims to resolve tax accounts more much quickly. Law enforcement agents at the local, state, and federal level must work directly with the IRS to make this happen.
Preventing Identity Theft
Of course, it is always better to prevent identity theft before it happens. There are many ways to do this. Here are some steps for preventing identity theft before it takes place.
- Know the IRS does not solicit taxpayer information. Many hackers and scammers will solicit information from individuals, asking for their credit or social security information online or via websites. This is something the IRS never does.
- If you receive a scam email suggesting it is form the IRS, immediately send it to the IRS at their investigation website, located at phishing@irs.gov.
- Identity thieves can gain information in many ways, including by stealing your wallet or purse, by posing as a friend on the telephone, or by searching through your garbage for your personal information.
- Identity thieves often access information through unsecured computer internet sites.
If you frequently surf the web, know that identity thieves will search diligently to find you. Be sure to protect your internet surfing using safe tools including a firewall or private proxy server. A proxy server will allow you to surf the internet anonymously. This is one of the best ways to protect yourself from identity thieves on the web. Simply log in and use the proxy IP address to keep hackers at bay.
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