Protecting Yourself from Identity Fraud When Filing Tax Refunds Online

With the proliferation of hackers and fraudulent scams both online and offline, you need identity fraud protection more than ever. This is especially crucial when it is time to file for a tax refund. There is a growing problem of stolen personal information from health records, schools, insurance companies, and nursing homes, among others. As tax season is now in full swing there is a possibility that your Social Security Number may be used to file a tax refund.

To avoid such problems, one should consider setting up identity fraud detection alerts. In the case of tax refund identity theft, however, you may have to do more such as checking with the IRS to find out if there is more than one tax refund filed under your name. And if you have unpaid dues that you are unaware of, this also indicates that someone else is taking advantage of your vulnerability.

If you want to minimize the possibility of being victimized, make it a point to ask for a copy of your free credit score regularly. Also, don’t carry around your Social Security card, and keep your computer inaccessible from malicious attacks by installing a firewall or anti-spam software. The last step is the most important, especially if you plan to file your tax refund online.

As you can see, identity protection is a must if you want to enjoy secure online transactions. Why wait for anything bad to happen to you before you start protecting yourself? Get Smarter ID today by checking out what they can offer for your identity theft protection.

Considerations in Choosing an Identity Protection Service

According to the 2012 Identity Fraud Report that was released by Javelin Strategy & Research, incidents of identity fraud have gone up by 13 percent in 2011. In the United States, more than 11.6 million adults were reported to be victims of such a crime.

With these alarming figures it is important that you set up measures that will ensure identity fraud protection for you and your loved ones. While there are some things that you can do yourself (i.e. getting a free credit score report), it’s best if you seek out assistance from qualified experts.

By definition, identity protection services are intended to protect each of their members from the disastrous effects of fraudulent activities. This is so they can be assured that information about them or their families is kept safe.

ID Theft Protection Services don’t just do identity fraud detection but seals off channels by which fraudsters can access personal data.

Provided below are some factors that you might want to consider when choosing the kind that’s right for your needs.

Site and Data Security

There’s absolutely no point in handing over private information to an ID Theft Protection Service that is lax about security. Pick a company that employs a data security firm to check their systems every day of the week and uses the latest technology available out there.

Cost and Fee Inclusions

Ask about the specific inclusions that come with a particular service. This is important since some of the features you want to have may be an add-on to the protection package that is being offered to you.

Having a system in place to secure private data will ensure that you do not fall prey to schemes and ploys that are aimed at using your identity for illegal means.