#1 DIRTY DOZEN TAX SCAM 2013

The IRS has reported identity theft as the #1 item on its dirty dozen tax scam list 2013. According to a report by Javelin Strategy & Research , a leading research and analyst company, 12 million people had their identities stolen in 2012. 

 To help alleviate the stresses of being or becoming a victim of identity theft, the IRS has made some changes. For starters they have dramatically increased their systems to catch fraud before affecting innocent victims. Increases  in staff and training, are  continuing effort to reduce the amount of money being sent out using fraudulent names, SSN & other information. Changes such as these have already led to 34 billion dollars in tax years 2011 & 2012, as well as multiple arrests of taxpayers and preparers. 

SIGNS TO LOOK FOR TO AVOID IDENTITY THEFT

 • Social Security number or other identifying information without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.
 • An identity thief may also use another person’s identity to fraudulently file a tax return and claim a refund.
 • Someone using your name, social security number or other information to obtain employment.

 If you feel this has happened to you or anyone you know, take the steps below to report identity fraud to the IRS.

1. Fill out the Identity Theft Affidavit online. This form can be faxed or mailed & needs to be accompanied by an approved form of identification list on page w of the affidavit. 

2. If you have previously filed an affidavit and have not been contacted by the IRS call 1-800-908-4490.

 3. A police report will also be helpful if you were a victim of a robbery.

 It is also important to remember that the IRS will never contact you via email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels. This is another way for thieves to steal your identity.

 For more information check out the IRS website at www.irs.gov.