Watch what info you distribute when doing taxes
Tax documents are a goldmine for identity thieves.
"Just think about the SSNs, the names of your financial and stock accounts and what fraudsters could do with them," says Thomas Oscherwitz, an expert on identity theft with the Web site MyIDScore.com.
"Taxpayer documents are very sensitive documents, keep them under control."
Don't use your full Social Security number or account numbers when you communicate by e-mail with your accountant or other money advisors.
You also need to be on guard. Look for signs of identity theft.
"If you receive a notice from the IRS that suggests you have more than one tax return in your name that's a signal that identity theft could be occurring," Oscherwitz says.
And get a free copy of your credit report.
Look for anything that doesn't seem right -- such as new accounts you didn't open or credit inquiries that don't make sense.
Use the site https://www.annualcreditreport.com and make sure you click on the box that says "Start Here."
If you're asked for a credit card number, you did something wrong. If you're in the right place, you are not asked for a credit card number.
"Just think about the SSNs, the names of your financial and stock accounts and what fraudsters could do with them," says Thomas Oscherwitz, an expert on identity theft with the Web site MyIDScore.com.
"Taxpayer documents are very sensitive documents, keep them under control."
Don't use your full Social Security number or account numbers when you communicate by e-mail with your accountant or other money advisors.
You also need to be on guard. Look for signs of identity theft.
"If you receive a notice from the IRS that suggests you have more than one tax return in your name that's a signal that identity theft could be occurring," Oscherwitz says.
And get a free copy of your credit report.
Look for anything that doesn't seem right -- such as new accounts you didn't open or credit inquiries that don't make sense.
Use the site https://www.annualcreditreport.com and make sure you click on the box that says "Start Here."
If you're asked for a credit card number, you did something wrong. If you're in the right place, you are not asked for a credit card number.