BBB brings attention to Tax Identity Theft

This is National Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week and Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr is joining with Commissioner of the Department of Revenue Lynne Riley and the Better Business Bureau to warn consumers to be on alert for tax-related scams as we enter the tax season.

On Monday, the Internal Revenue Service began accepting tax returns.

Carr tells WNEG News the best way to avoid tax identity theft is to file your taxes as early as possible before a scammer has the chance to use your Social Security number to file a fraudulent return.

And as added security, Georgia consumers can now get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS before they file their returns.

This is a six-digit number, which, in addition to your Social Security number, verifies your identity.

Once you apply for it, you must provide the IP Pin every time you file your federal tax returns – this year and in all future years.

The IRS will provide your IP PIN online and then send you a new IP PIN each December by postal mail.

Tax identity theft occurs when a fraudster uses your Social Security number to file a tax return in your name and collect your refund.

It also occurs when someone uses your Social Security number to get a job.

Typically, consumers don’t realize they have been victims of tax identity theft until they get a written notice from the IRS saying that more than one tax return was filed using your Social Security number, or you were paid by an employer you don’t know.

If you are the victim of tax identity theft, contact the IRS at 1-800-908-4490. You should also file a complaint with the FTC at www.ftc.gov/complaint or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.