Is Tax Identity Theft still bothering you in 2023? Here are some expert tips to stay secure!
“Identity thefts are expanding and identity thieves are making piles of money”! This is a headline that you might come across every single day. But, have you ever dug deep into what’s the true picture behind all these thefts and online scams that are taking place worldwide? In the world of Total Security, with so much of your sensitive information available online, protecting yourself from malicious actors is quite cumbersome.
Despite having installed the right Antivirus, there are chances that you might fall trapped into the malicious net of hackers. Awareness is the core ingredient if you are looking for the right identity theft prevention strategies. Before moving ahead, it’s important to learn what Tax Identity Theft is, what you can do to safeguard yourself against it, and how to react when you fall victim to Tax Identity Theft.
What is Tax Identity Theft?
Tax Identity theft is when someone uses your Social Security Number to take advantage of your tax refund, to file your tax, or for some other kind of work (Which can be a suspicious one).
The process of filing taxes can be an intimidating task, as it comes up with some potential risks that you must be aware of. For instance, online tax filing can showcase your personal information which might give rise to a data breach. Data Breach occurs when someone gains unauthorized access to the sensitive information that you shared while filing the tax and use it against your will.
Who is at a greater risk for Tax Identity Theft?
We live in a society where everyone is constrained to share their personal information which can further fall into the wrong hands and compromise your identity. From Social media users to the top CEOs/ CIOS, here’re some of the easy and favorite targets for the intruders
- People using the digital mode of payments
Did you remember the last time you used cash for making payments? Many people have stopped keeping cash in their pockets. With increasing UPI transactions and online modes of payment, the risk has also doubled. Since a large number of people have gone digital, fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated to deceive innocent customers. Cybercrimes such as Phishing, Malware, and OTP fraud are witnessing a great surge. In this case, it’s always advisable to install Total Security Antivirus or Complete Security Antivirus on your PC/ laptop if you want to stay safe and secure.
- Social Media users are the biggest target
The main aim behind developing social media handles was to socially connect people with each other. You can share information with others who are connected to your network – friends, relatives, colleagues, etc. But, remember one thing, “Eyes in the wrong direction can result in accidents.” So, if you’re not careful, ID fraudsters will make you a victim.
- Executives are the favorite target
It has been said that executives and well-to-do people are the biggest targets because of their name and fame. To put it simply, people with a high-income profile are at more risk due to their tendency of having more credit cards and numerous accounts. Fraudsters are becoming more innovative in stealing personal information and once, they get your name, birth date, and social security number, they are ready to steal the kingdom that you’ve made for years.
What are the Top Expert Tips to Stay Safe from Tax Identity Thefts in 2023?
No matter if you are filing taxes for the very first time, or an experienced one, it’s always better to stay aware and protected with the best Antivirus Software. Intrigued to know how you can stay safe from the ongoing Tax identity Thefts in 2023 and beyond?
Let’s have a look at some expert tips that will help you experience a hassle-free tax filing process.
- Install an Antivirus Software
Having Antivirus Software installed in your system is the first step when you’re filing your taxes online. It includes advanced firewall protection, malware, and Ransomware protection. Just like you lock your home to prevent outsiders from entering, likewise, you need to install Total Security Antivirus in your system to prevent intruders from peeping into your PC/ laptop and stealing confidential information.
- Don’t forget to take Data Backup
It’s always a better idea to take a proper backup of your sensitive data. Sensitive data includes all your tax documents, social security numbers, educational records, or protected health documents. Taking proper data backup always keeps you one step ahead. Worried about where to take a proper backup of your sensitive data? Don’t worry! There are many options available such as Google Drives, or using any USB device.
- Always create strong passwords
A weak password is one of the most common ways hackers enter your PC/laptop. Simple and easy-to-guess passwords allow malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to your computing device. Hence, it’s important to create strong passwords. The more difficult the password, the lower the chances that you’ll fall victim to irrelevant interference.
- Always use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
VPN provides a great level of encryption and puts a mask on your computer’s IP address. In addition to installing Antivirus software in your system, you should also have a VPN to experience a secure connection. With a VPN by your side, you can easily browse the internet and stay ensured that all your data will be safe from intruders.
- Don’t make use of Public-Wi-Fi
Nowadays, everything has become digital and online predators are everywhere. It is true that public Wi-Fi has been set up to give a level of ease and convenience to the general public, but you should never use it while performing any pertinent task that involves the usage of money and sharing pertinent documents. Always ensure that your devices are encrypted, and always beware of the possible attacks happening around you.
- Use multi-factor authentication
Cybercriminals have endless stolen credentials to make a choice. If they choose yours, you could be a great risk. They could take away your bank accounts, your company secrets, and what’s worse, your personal photos as well. Multi-factor authentication is important, as it makes stealing a hard nut to crack for a cybercriminal. The more enticing your data, the higher the chances to become a part of the attack and vice versa. Hence, it’s always a safer idea to use multi-factor authentication.
- Never click on suspicious links or open suspicious email attachments
Suspicious links sent to your email can be used to persuade users to download malicious software that cybercriminals can use to access your sensitive information. Clicking on suspicious links can be the biggest mistake you can commit as an individual. Hence, it’s always advisable to not click on anything or download anything that comes your way.
- Don’t fall trapped into any unsolicited contact from IRS
In case of any doubts or clarification, IRS doesn’t call or send you an email, rather it contacts you by mail. So, if you receive a call or an email pretending to be from IRS, be careful! It will never ask you to disclose your personal or financial information via call or email or will never ask you to make an immediate payment for the tax. Henceforth, if you ever receive a call from someone claiming to be from IRS, either hang the call or block that number.
- Always make use of a secure website
No matter, if you have a small or a large business, website security, should be your topmost priority. It is important to keep cyber criminals and hackers a hundred miles away. Without a proper strategy, businesses can fall prey to rising online frauds happening around such as Malware, Ransomware, and other email frauds. You can install Complete Security Software if you want to stay protected from these online frauds.
- Always request an IP Pin
An Identity Protection (IP) Pin is a six-digit number that safeguards your sensitive information from malicious actors while filing your ITR or getting a tax refund by entering your Social Security Number. Well, this confidential information is only between you and the IRS. No matter what position you have in your organization, protecting your identity is of utmost importance. So, be careful and stay safe with Complete Security Software.