Are you a victim of Fraud?
Do you suspect someone has your social security number or is a victim of identity theft? Or maybe you tried to file your tax return and it was rejected stating it's already been filed for yourself or dependents. Unfortunately, this happens more than you think! Post Covid fraud, spammers, robots and now AI has changed the world we once knew.
I would like to provide some tools to assist those affected negatively by fraudulently filed tax returns or identity theft. To start, I recommend creating an account with the IRS if you do not already have one. The link below can be used to create the account and it will take you right to the place to request an identity protection pin abbreviated as (IP PIN). Once you request this, you or anyone else cannot file your tax return electronically without it. The only way around it would be to file a paper return. The IRS typically mails new IP PINs in late December or early January to each recipient, so be sure that your correct address is on file with the IRS.
Do not allow the IP PIN to fall into the wrong hands. If you are moving, a change of address should be submitted to the IRS by completing form 8822. Go to irs.gov and type 8822 in the search bar to obtain form 8822, Change of address. Call the IRS to report identity theft at 800-908-4490 and submit form 14039. To obtain the form, type the form number in the search box on irs.gov. To report fraud, contact the Federal trade commission at 877-438-4338. To report compromised or lost/stolen social security cards, call the social security administration 800-772-1213. Be sure to contact the IRS Identity Theft line on 800-908-4490. Once you contact the IRS, they will recommend these same steps to you.
How to get an identity protection pin use this link https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin or select IPPIN in the search bar at irs.gov. If you have an account with the IRS already it will lead you to login on id.me to retrieve your current IPPIN. Also contact either of the main three credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion or Equifax) to put a block on your credit. You can typically call one and they can block the other two so that nothing can be purchased under your social security number while the block is in place. There are other free apps such as Experian and Credit Karma that can be utilized to monitor your credit score and credit activity. Experian or annualcreditreport.com can be utilized to obtain a free credit report annually.
For additional in-depth details on identity theft use form 5027 https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5027.pdf.
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