Last-Minute Tax Crunch: Avoid ID Theft During The Last Minute Scramble!

Image courtesy of [Arvind Balaraman] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The last day to file your taxes is only one week from today. If you are a last minute filer, you are probably scrambling, and a bit stressed, right now. And we all know that stress can impair your ability to be able to clearly think through your actions. Ahhh, Tax season + stressed-out, doing things in a rush, not really paying attention to details people = online identity thieves PAY DAY!

Think about it the reasons why tax-time identity theft is higher*: 

• Sensitive documents will be exchanged, sent, and shared between employers, employees, and tax preparers and online tax sites.
• Large amounts of money will be moving across accounts, especially online.
• Scams are easy to pull off during this busy time – people are quick to react to mail (or email) from the IRS because they want to get their returns. 

So what do you need to remember about identity protection during this last minute rush to get your taxes handled? 

Filing Online May Actually Be Safer

While we hear all the time about hackers and online security breaches, filing online may be the safer way to go. Why? Because you are not sharing your personal information with "strangers." Your paperwork isn't being handled and filed by office assistants, post office employees or other random people.

Secure Your Computer:

To ensure the safety of online filing, check that your computer is "clean" and all security systems are up-to-date. Make sure free of malware and spyware that can steal a copy of your SSN or bank account password. Also make sure the software you are using is from a trusted source and save a copy of your return on an external thumb drive instead of on your computer. 

Think Things Through

Continue to think about these risks for the next few months and continue to protect yourself from fraudlent activity. Be suspicious of any calls or emails purporting to be from the IRS, no matter what the issue. For example, some scams claim that someone else has already filed tax returns in your name or with your SSN. The IRS will always write to you first, will rarely call, and will never email you. Another tip is to Never confirm your SSN or bank account details by email or over the phone unless you are the one placing the call.

Good luck and now get filing!

*source: Protect Your Identity at Tax Time

*disclaimer: This is a sponsored post from Identity Guard. 

Talking About: Child Identity Theft

Road trips are great times to talk. And with 10 days in the car, Jason and I had plenty of time to chat about everything from budgets and food to missing shoes, friends and, yes, Child Identity Theft. 

And because I didn't think you would believe me, I have video evidence of this conversation. Check us out as we are speeding across the highways of America discussing social security numbers and the little things we are doing to protect our kids. 

And yes, I look like crap and have a head cold. But don't watch it for me, but for Zoe in the background. 

In my last post on this topic, I included some useful tips to protect yourself, and your kids, against identity theft and information on kID Sure℠ - all from the Is My Kid At Risk website.

Things you will find when you click on over are: 

• Quick Start Guide to Child ID Theft: The consequences of child ID theft are staggering. Get all the facts you need to know.

• Risk Factors Worksheet: Review the Risk Factors to see where you can eliminate some risk for your kids.

• Bankrupt at Birth: eBook Excerpt: Get a glimpse into a new book whose authors are on a mission to end child identity theft.

• Child ID Theft Safety Tele-class: Author of the book, Bankrupt at Birth, teaches you about child identity theft and what you can do to help protect your kids. 

• Free trial of Identity Guard®†: Get a FREE 30-Day trial of Identity Guard®

• Subscription to Child ID Theft News: Subscribe just by registering your email address

While this may not be the most exciting present for the kids, as a parent I would love the gift of peace of mind!

Have you given any more thought to child identity theft? Have you talked to your spouse or your parents about the risks? 

For more information on child identity theft visit the Identity Guard blog.

*I'm proud ot be an Identity Guard Ambassador and yes, this is a sponsored post. 

†Free trial requires successful enrollment. After your trial period, you will be billed either your monthly or annual fee unless you call to cancel. You may cancel your membership at any time.