IRS urges taxpayers to protect data all year, not just during tax season

AARP Oklahoma has partnered with the IRS to share important tax information beginning in tax season and continuing throughout the year.

Eight Steps to Keep Online Data Safe

Anyone with an online presence can do a few simple things to protect their identity and personal information. Following these eight steps can also help taxpayers protect their tax return and refund in 2018:

• Shop at familiar online retailers.
• Avoid unprotected Wi-Fi.
• Learn to recognize and avoid phishing emails that pose as a trusted source.
• Keep a secure machine.
• Use passwords that are strong, long and unique.
• Use multi-factor authentication when available.
• Sign up for account alerts.
• Encrypt sensitive data and protect it with a password.

Recognize Phishing Email Scams

The IRS reminds people to be on the lookout for new, sophisticated email phishing scams. These scams not only endanger someone’s personal information, but they can also affect a taxpayer’s refund in 2018. Even if an email is from a known source, people should use caution because cybercrooks are very good at mimicking trusted businesses, friends and family.

Five Steps Data Breach Victims Can Take

People who are the victim of a data breach should consider these five steps to help protect their sensitive information that can be used on a tax return:

• Determine what information the thieves compromised.
• Consider taking advantage of credit monitoring services offered to victims.
• Place a freeze on credit accounts to prevent access to credit records.
• Reset passwords on online accounts.
• Use multi-factor authentication when available.

For more information visit: www.irs.gov/identity-theft. Check the status of your refund after filing at www.irs.gov/refunds. If you think someone filed a fraudulent refund with your information, call the IRS Identity Theft line at 800-908-4490. To learn more, visit www.ftc.gov/taxidtheft.

If you think you’ve been the victim of fraud, contact the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office by visiting  www.ok.gov/oag or calling  1-405-521-3921 or  1-918-581-2885.

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