• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Submit News
  • Contact Us

Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

  • Soup Du Jour
  • People
  • Government
  • Campaign
  • Business
  • Education
  • Insights
  • Video
You are here: Home / Government / Tips to Avoid Tax Scams and Identity Theft as Filing Deadline Approaches

Tips to Avoid Tax Scams and Identity Theft as Filing Deadline Approaches

Posted on March 26, 2019

Attorney General Ashley Moody is issuing a Consumer Alert ahead of the federal tax filing deadline to help Floridians avoid common tax scams. From now through the April 15 filing deadline, identity thieves and scammers will be ramping up efforts to steal taxpayers returns and sensitive identification information.

Attorney General's Consumer Alert Graphic

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Tax season is a busy time for identity thieves and scammers as they look for ways to steal returns and the identities of taxpayers. When filing, Floridians should take precautions to protect their identities and sensitive tax-filing information to avoid falling victim to these fraudsters, and if anyone encounters a scam they should immediately report it to our office.”

The following are tips to help taxpayers avoid identity theft and scams when preparing and filing taxes:

  • Get recommendations and research a tax preparer thoroughly before providing personal information;
  • Use a secure internet connection when filing electronically. Do not use unsecure, publicly available Wi-Fi hotspots;
  • Mail tax returns directly from the post office, not from home;
  • After filing, shred any unneeded tax receipts or filing documents before disposal;
  • Know that the IRS will never initiate contact by email, phone, text or social media. If the IRS needs information, it will first contact by mail;
  • Do not give out Social Security numbers unless absolutely necessary; and
  • If a Social Security number is compromised contact the IRS ID Theft Protection Specialized Unit at 1(800) 908-4490;

If anyone believes they are a victim of a tax scam, identity theft or any other fraud, they can report the incident to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or visiting MyFloridaLegal.com.

Share this article! Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Filed Under: Government Tagged With: Attorney General Ashley Moody, Consumer Alert

Primary Sidebar

    Submit News    

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Announces $30 Million Available to Florida Rural Communities for Economic Development

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) today announced $30 million in available funds for … [Read More...] about The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Announces $30 Million Available to Florida Rural Communities for Economic Development

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Calls on Floridians to Take Internet Speed Test to Help Identify Gaps in Broadband Access and Availability

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) encourages all Floridians to visit Florida's Broadband … [Read More...] about Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Calls on Floridians to Take Internet Speed Test to Help Identify Gaps in Broadband Access and Availability

FDLE gearing up to launch Florida Purple Alert Program

FDLE will begin issuing Purple Alerts in Florida on July 1, 2022. … [Read More...] about FDLE gearing up to launch Florida Purple Alert Program

Keep in Touch

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Newsletter signup

Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a brief recap of the week's most popular stories.

Footer

News

  • Soup Du Jour
  • People
  • Government
  • Campaign
  • Business
  • Education
  • Insights
  • Video

About Us 

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Submit News
  • Contact Us

Keep in Touch

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2021
Terms & Conditions

© Copyright 2022 Capital Soup · All Rights Reserved ·