Tax Identity Theft February 3, 2017 | No Comments Thieves know that tax time is just around the corner. This is prime time for people to receive a call, email or even a text message stating that you owe back taxes and better pay up or they will through you in jail, take away your house or even deport you. Now, I know what you are thinking, “I would never fall for this type of scam!” Then this message is not for you. But you may still want to continue reading just in case you get a call and forget that the person on the other side of the line is someone scamming you. First things first. The IRS will never contact you by email, text or social media. If they are requesting information, they will do it by mail. So you may be asking, “What if I receive a call from someone claiming they are from the IRS?” The easiest thing to do is to ask for their name. 99% of the time the caller will get angry and hang up. If they are calling your mobile phone, block the number so that you do not receive another call from them again. Better yet, download the True Caller app from either the Google Play store or Apple App store. This application is free and uses community users to identify the caller. I have the application and it works pretty well. It is better than the wireless carrier services that charge a fee and do not always work. If you receive an email or text message the worst thing you can do is reply. This validates that you are open to start a dialogue. Simply block the texting number and delete the email. If you happen to pick up and talk with the scammer, never give out personal information to verify the information they say they have. Never give out your social security number. If they are really the IRS, they have it. Never give out your date of birth, unless they are going to mail you a birthday gift. Your personal information is personal! The IRS website has a nice guide to help if you feel that you are the victim of Identity Theft. Click here to read more information. Security