The Internal Revenue Service and its Security Summit partners began the second year of its “Taxes. Security. Together.” campaign this month. It's to remind taxpayers to be vigilant in protecting their personal financial and tax information. The Security Summit is a combination of software industry reps, tax preparation firms, payroll and tax financial product processors and state tax administrators.
The IRS warns taxpayers to not routinely carry their Social Security card and to make sure tax records are secure. You should treat your personal information like you do your cash and make sure it's not easily accessible to anyone.
Earlier this year the IRS compiled the top three tax scams for the year.
1. Fraudulent Filing
Scammers will file under your Social Security Number, claiming your tax refund.
2. IRS Phishing Email
The email says "click here for the latest on your refund," or something similar, but it's a phishing scam designed to get you to enter your Social Security Number. If you click the link you can invite malware into your PC. The IRS does not contact taxpayers by email.
3. IRS Phone Scam
This has become the most common the past two years. A caller, claiming to be with the IRS or the Treasury Department, tells you that you are behind on your tax bill, and threatens you with arrest unless you pay money immediately. Thousands, if not millions of Americans have received these calls. If you get that call, hang up.
Related: How did scammers get your number?
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