ID protection

As technology becomes more prevalent in our lives, so does global cybercrime. Remote work, artificial intelligence, computers in cars are opportunities for thieves to access your personal information. Criminals constantly adjust their tactics so you need to stay informed and alert to the latest scams: knowledge gives you power to win the cybertheft war! In this article 5 steps to protect your identity.

What are the latest scams?

Every year, thieves find new ways to attack us. They pick both on individuals and businesses. We all know about the traditional attacks  – such as lifting your social security number (SSN) from sensitive documents or stealing your mail. Below the latest and more sophisticated trends in stealing identity:

1. Phishing emails – stating your      account has been locked, your bank account is frozen or your package has      been lost.
2. Vishing phone      calls – pretending to be a billing collector or asking you to respond      “yes” or “no” to questions – so they can record your voice and mimic your      identity later.
3. Smishing texts – asking you to      click on a link.

5 Steps to Protect Your Identity

Cyber criminals get increasingly creative with tactics to steal your personal information. Below 5 steps to stay ahead of them:

STEP #1: PROTECT YOUR SSN

1. Shred documents      with your SSN   – Use at least a micro-cross-cut shredder to discard      documents that contain sensitive information
2. Do not disclose      your SSN over the phone – instead request an alternate      identification such as a security questions or a pin. 
3. Check your SSN      account  – log in to your SSN account yearly to identify any      fraudulent activity: http://socialsecurity.gov/myaccount/

STEP #2: PROTECT YOUR DEVICES

In today’s age, our personal valuables are stored on digital devices rather than in a bank safe – so protect your devices with these steps:

1. Update your      antivirus regularly –  do not use a FREE      antivirus  – instead install a professional antivirus  – on all      your devices (including your phone!)  – that will automatically      update and recognize the latest scams and block them. If you are using      Apple products, install the latest IOS versions.
2. Use      multi-factor authentication– such as requesting a one-time      code,  a face ID recognition, a touch ID recognition or a third party      authenticator app.
3. “Clean” your      devices regularly –  by deleting old apps and      old programs you no longer use.
4. Enable alerts      on your devices –  such as activating emails      or texts alerts when your account is logged into.

STEP #3: PROTECT YOUR DIGITAL INFORMATION

To protect your online identity, you must treat your personal information like gold, and not give it away freely!

1. Do not      overshare on your online social accounts – do not accept a social media      “friend request” from someone you do not know and remove your profile from      old sites you no longer use – as your profiles on these sites will likely      hold the answers to all your security questions and personal profile information.        
2. Do not password–share –      with your family or friends
3. Do not use      Public WIFI – do not check any sensitive data on public WIFI – instead       create a hotspot with your phone
4. Secure your      Home WIFI – with a unique password of at least 8 characters
5. Do not respond      to phishing emails, vishing calls or smishing texts (see above) –instead block      the sender from your contacts.
6. Use encrypted      services – such as encrypted email providers, encrypted online storage

STEP #4: PROTECT YOUR TAX INFORMATION

Every year, the tax return you file holds your most sensitive information – such as your SSN, your address, your date of birth and your bank information. To protect your tax information, do the following:

1. Check the      activity on your Online IRS account =  If you have not done so,      set up with the IRS your online account –  to know more: https://kbfinancials.biz/managing-your-irs-account-online/
2. Obtain your ID      protection PIN – to prevent a criminal from filing a fraudulent tax return with      your SSN. The PIN is assigned and renewed yearly by the IRS – https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin 
3. Check the      credentials of your tax preparer – before selecting a      professional to prepare your tax return, check their registration with the      IRS (Enrolled agents) or with their state (Attorney,      CPA). 

STEP #5: PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INFORMATION

You are only as strong as your weakest link! Make sure that the financial institutions you do business with also take steps to combat cybercrime.

1. Reconcile your      bank and credit card statements monthly –  to identify quickly any      fraudulent charge and get a refund from your bank.
2. Update your      information with your banks –  with your latest email      and phone number
3. Switch to      paperless statements –  opt to receive all      communications through your bank’s secure portal.
4. Check your      credit report yearly– you can obtain a FREE credit      report from the 3 credit agencies (Equifax, Experian and Transunion)      at: www.annualcreditreport.com

What are the signs that you may be victim of ID theft?

Most identity theft victims do not realize that they are a victim until the theft has negatively impacted their lives. The following are signs that you are being stalked by crooks:

1. Noticing credit      card charges on your statement that you do not recognize
2. Receiving      credit cards statements that you did not apply for
3. Receiving      letters from debt collectors about loan or debt that you do not owe
4. Receiving a      communication from the IRS that there is an issue with your tax refund

What to do when your identity has been stolen?

1. File a police      report and get a copy of the report and case number.
2. Report the      incident to the Treasury Inspector General Tax administration – https://www.tigta.gov/reportcrime-misconduct
3. File a      complaint with the Federal trade commission  – https://www.identitytheft.gov/
4. Contact the      social security administration- https://www.ssa.gov/fraud/
5. Contact the      Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central
6. Contact the      credit agencies – Equifax, Experian, TransUnion
7. Contact your      financial institutions – such as your banks and credit card companies

As always, bear in mind the date of this article as tax laws change over time

For assistance with your international tax needs, please contact Karine Bauer, EA, JD – HERE.

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Updated Friday October 13th, 2023