{"id":19309,"date":"2020-10-30T17:37:45","date_gmt":"2020-10-30T21:37:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.eztaxreturn.com\/?p=19309"},"modified":"2023-05-26T09:55:32","modified_gmt":"2023-05-26T14:55:32","slug":"how-to-prevent-your-tax-refund-from-being-stolen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.eztaxreturn.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-your-tax-refund-from-being-stolen\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Protect Your Tax Refund from Being Stolen"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Anyone can become a victim of tax identity theft.\u00a0 This occurs when someone uses your social security number to file a fraudulent tax return and claim your refund.\u00a0 You may not even know there\u2019s an issue until you file your return and learn from the IRS<\/a> or your state that a return was previously filed in your name.\u00a0 Keep reading to find out how to protect your tax refund from being stolen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t wait until April to file<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Each taxpayer can only file one federal return for the year.\u00a0 So the best way to protect your tax refund from being stolen is to do your taxes early.\u00a0 With ezTaxReturn.com, you can start your return before the season begins and have it transmitted to the IRS once they open.\u00a0 If someone tries to file a fraudulent return using your information after yours has been accepted, the duplicate return will be rejected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Use security software on all your devices<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s common knowledge that you need to use security software<\/a> on your laptop and desktop, but don\u2019t forget about your mobile device.  These days people are doing more with their smartphones including shopping, banking and even their taxes.  Therefore, it\u2019s a good idea to install an antivirus app so your data isn’t tracked or shared with the wrong people. Allow the software to update automatically so you\u2019re protected against the latest threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
Get Started Now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Protect your identity throughout the year<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your social security card doesn\u2019t need to go everywhere you go.  If it’s lost or stolen, identity thieves can use your social security number to file a fraudulent tax return, open loans and credit cards in your name, or steal your social security benefits.  The best thing to do is to leave your card at home in a safe place.  If someone requests your SSN, don\u2019t be scared to question why.  Only share the information when it\u2019s absolutely necessary.  Other measures you can take to protect your identity include shredding unwanted documents, checking your reports regularly, monitoring your financial statements and using strong passwords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Recognize and avoid phishing scams<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cybercriminal<\/a>s have all kinds of tricks for getting your personal information, but one tactic they love to use is phishing<\/a> emails.  How it works is you\u2019ll receive a fraudulent email that appears to be from a legitimate company.  For example, a streaming service, social networking site or the IRS.  The message usually claims there\u2019s some sort of issue with your account, but it\u2019s just a lie to get you to click on one of their links.  Any details you provide will be stolen and used to the crook’s advantage.  There are several red flags that can clue you in to a phishing email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n