When its Tax Time, Protect Your Identity

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Tax time comes around every year, and though you technically have until April 15th each year, if you can, file earlier. There is a good reason for this; you can avoid putting yourself in a position to get your identity stolen.

How Filing Your Taxes Can Compromise Your Identity

Robert Siciliano, CSP, SAFR.MEYou might be wondering how you can become a victim of an identity thief just by filing your taxes. There are a couple of ways scammers do this. First, the thief will use your Social Security number to file taxes, but plug in their mailing address and then when your refund comes around, they take your refund.

The second way that a scammer can steal your identity is that they take your Social Security number, get a job with it, and the employer will report their earnings to the IRS. When this happens, the IRS sees it as very suspicious, and you could get stuck paying a huge tax bill.

In both cases, there could be big problems ahead for you. For example, you might not be able to get a refund or even file your taxes. There is also the chance that they have used your Social Security number to get a loan, a credit card, or cash.

How Thieves Access Your Information

The main question you might be thinking here is this: how would an ID thief get your Social Security number in the first place? Typically, they would do this by hacking. For example, there was the huge Equifax hack. 145 plus million people were affected, and you could have been involved in it. It’s easy, when these breaches happen, hackers bathe in your information.

What Can You Do if You are a Victim?

If you are a victim of a scam like this, there are some things you can do:

  • Submit Letter 5071C to the IRS – This is a form that the IRS will send if your tax return looks suspicious.
  • Submit Form 14039 – This form alerts the IRS that you believe you are a potential victim of tax ID theft.
  • Ask for an Identity Protection PIN – The IRS will give you this number so that it can confirm your identity for your future tax returns.
  • Make a Report to the Federal Trade Commission – You also should file a report with the FTC by going to IdentityTheft.gov.
  • Contact the Tax Office in Your State – Your state’s tax office might have other recommendations based on your personal situation.

If you have tried to file your taxes electronically and get rejected, you should still file a return by mail. Additionally, call the IRS Identity Protection Unit for assistance. An agent can help you start the process of taking care of the problem and ensuring your return is filed correctly.

Written by Cyber Security Expert Robert Siciliano, CEO of Credit Parent, Head of Training & Security Awareness Expert at Protect Now, #1 Best Selling Amazon author, Media Personality & Architect of CSI Protection Certification.

Avoiding COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

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I was on the Dr Oz show discussing Covid-Vaccine Scams. There’s no “low” for scammers. Even in death, they wish to exploit their victims.

People are working around the clock to get the COVID-19 vaccine out to the masses. Others are working around the clock, too: scammers.
Vaccine Scams
Here are some of the most common COVID-19 vaccine scams out there and how you can avoid them:

COVID-19 Vaccine Scams with Copays

One of the scams to look out for is the co-pay scam. The US government is working to make the vaccine free for American citizens, so you should never, ever pay for a co-pay unless there is some other type of administration fee. However, you should only pay this at the time you get the vaccine.

Scams Offering Alternative Cures

 There are also an increasing number of alternative “cures” out there, i.e. products that claim they kill viruses. These just don’t work. Instead, social distance, avoid gathering with other people, wash your hands, and wear a mask.

Scams Offering a Place on a Vaccine List

If you have recently gotten a call, email, or text asking to add your name to a list to get the vaccine sooner…for a fee…this is a scam. There is no “paid waiting list” for the vaccine, technically, but sometimes you can pre-register depending on where you live. Never, ever pay to get on a list for this vaccine.

Scams Asking for Personal Information

There are also scammers out there that are targeting people’s personal information. Basically, you might get a text, email or call from someone claiming they will get an appointment for you to get the vaccine… but really, this is just to get your personal info like your Social Security number so they can steal your identity. Don’t give your info out to anyone!

COVID-19 Vaccine Scams Claiming You Can “Jump the Line”

We all have to wait our turns to get the vaccine, so you shouldn’t jump at an offer to move ahead of the line. Your local health officials will post schedules online, and you might even be able to use an interactive checker to see when your turn might be.

You might be wondering when you might be eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. It will depend on a number of factors including your occupation, your age, your health status, and even where you live. Health care workers are slated to get the vaccine first, followed by those who live and work in long-term care facilities.

Other people who will get priority for the vaccine include essential workers, people with underlying health conditions, and adults who are older. It is estimated that the vaccine will not be available to the “general adult” population until late spring or the summer of 2021, or even later. So, keep practicing safe habits, and watch out for scams.

Written by Cyber Security Expert Robert Siciliano, CEO of Credit Parent, Head of Training & Security Awareness Expert at Protect Now, #1 Best Selling Amazon author, Media Personality & Architect of CSI Protection Certification.