Any type of identity theft can disrupt your finances, credit history, and reputation, and take time, money, and patience to resolve. Often, identity thieves will use a Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, date of birth or account number to open fraudulent new credit card accounts, charge existing credit card accounts, write share drafts, open share accounts, or obtain new loans. It is a serious crime.
What Steps Can You Take To Prevent Tax Identity Theft?
✅ Get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS.
What’s an IP PIN? An IP PIN is a six-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers that helps prevent the misuse of your Social Security number on fraudulent federal income tax returns. You can’t use the IP PIN as your e-file signature PIN. You can learn more about an IP PIN from the IRS.
✅ Check your mail and credit union account statements every month.
If you discover an account you did not open, balance discrepancy, or a purchase you did not make, contact the financial institution or creditor immediately to report the activity.
✅ Monitor your credit reports on a regular basis.
Do you really know what’s on your credit report? Why it matters? Or, how to obtain your three free credit reports annually? You can find answers to these questions and more about credit reports and credit scores in NCUA’s Credit Reports and Credit Scores learning center.
✅ Talk to your credit union about the identity theft resources they may offer.
Most credit unions offer or partner with companies that offer services and materials to help their members safeguard their accounts.
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