How to Protect Yourself Financially From Identity Theft

With scammers getting more and more sophisticated and brazen, our iWealth team has put together tips on how to help protect yourself from identity theft. Consider implementing this advice in your lives so that you can safeguard your loved ones and your assets:

Receiving a Call from the IRS

Remember that scams involving people impersonating the IRS are on the rise. The IRS never asks for personal information by phone, email, text, or social media or threatens arrest for nonpayment. IRS notices will always arrive by mail, and anyone demanding immediate payment over the phone is a scammer. If you receive an unsolicited call and think you might owe federal taxes, hang up and call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040.

Protect Your Social Security Number

Be careful about giving out your SSN since it is the most commonly used piece of data to commit identity theft. If you are filling out paperwork that asks for your SSN, confirm whether it is actually necessary and ask about security precautions.

Be Careful Who You Give Your Information To

Never give out information in response to unsolicited calls, emails, letters, or social media messages. Don’t click on links in emails purporting to be from the IRS, a financial institution, a software company or enter information into any website linked from that email. Always visit official websites directly and call an official number to verify the legitimacy of any request.

Follow Best Practices for Using and Protecting Digital Passwords

Follow smart computer practices like creating strong, unique passwords for each account and website you use. Purchase anti-virus and firewall software for your computer and install regular updates. When you discard an old computer, get an expert to wipe the hard drive and remove all of your private data.

Destroy Old Financial Documents Which Are Not Relevant

Regularly shred documents like bills and financial statements, tax returns older than seven years, old checkbooks, receipts, credit card offers, paycheck stubs, insurance statements, expired credit cards, and any other paperwork that contains account numbers or personal information. A lot of identity theft happens when thieves gain access to confidential data in your trash, car, or house.

Identity Theft Warning Signs

• The IRS notifies you that a tax return has already been filed in your name or that you received income from an employer you don’t recognize.
• Debt collectors call about debts you don’t owe.
• You find unfamiliar accounts on your credit report or notice unusual charges on account statements.
• You are billed for medical services you did not receive or are notified by your insurance company that you have reached your benefit limit.

What To Do If Your Identity Has Been Stolen

If you have been the victim of identity theft (i.e. scammers may have used your SSN or other confidential information to commit fraud), it’s important to act quickly to avoid damage to your financial life. Here’s what to do:

• File a report with your local police department.
• If you believe that you have been the victim of tax-related fraud, call the IRS at 1-800-366-4484 and fill out a report at www.treasury.gov/tigta.
• Notify the fraud departments of the three major credit agencies:
  • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
  • Experian: 1-888-397-3742
  • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
• Order a copy of your credit report and review all accounts and transactions for fraud. The only place to receive a free credit report from all three agencies is at www.annualcreditreport.com.
• Gather information to dispute any fraudulent information.
• Notify the Social Security Administration of the possible theft of your SSN by calling the fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271

How iWealth Can Help

One of the benefits of having an iWealth Financial Advisor in your corner is that you don’t have to fight financial fraud alone. Incidences of identity theft and tax-related fraud are on the rise, and we’re here to help our clients protect themselves. If you have questions about identity theft tax-related scams, please contact your local iWealth Office or call our main phone number at 507-835-9111.