Identity Protection Tips

Top tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of identity theft:

The IRS will not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, social media channels, text messages or phone calls. If you receive any of these claiming to be from the IRS, forward it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.

Identity thieves can access your personal information by many means, including stealing your wallet or purse, posing as someone who needs information about you through a phone call or email and accessing information your provide to an unsecured internet site.

If your SSN is stolen, someone else can use it to get a job. The employer may report that income earned to the IRS, making it appear that you didn't report all of your income on your tax return.

If you receive a letter from the IRS stating that more than one tax return was filed for you, or that you received wages for an employer you don't know, your identity may have been compromised. If this occurs, respond immediately to the phone number on the IRS notice.