Cyber security and Taxpayers

Millions of people suffer from identity theft every year, it’s important to understand how you can avoid it and protect yourself. Previously, we’ve covered how tax-preparers can prepare and stay alert to protect their clients, but there are a procedures that the individuals can take as well.

First, it’s important for taxpayers to make sure they are always logging onto secured websites that will protect their information. For instance, sites that use the https:// are providing a form of encryption for your data so it is significantly harder for hackers to view and steal your information as you put it in. Accordingly, if you decide to keep personal information on your computer, you should consider encrypting the data so only select few people can view it.

Additionally, individuals should consider installing anti-virus protections and use a firewall in order to protect your computer as a whole. With the amount of online shopping that happens in this day and age, it’s imperative that you do not leave your PC open to invasion from foreign computers.

Finally, remember to stay alert to phishing emails and phone calls. As tax season comes every year, scammers will ramp up their efforts to steal your personal information. Beware scammers posing as the IRS or law enforcement that request personal information. Also, beware of emails that request personal information that appear to be from official websites, but actually are not.

It’s important to stay up to date on scams and viruses about to protect your personal information and your livelihood. If you have questions about irregularities in your taxes and feel you may have suffered from tax related identity theft, contact us at the Center for Financial, Legal & Tax, Inc.