Sadly, we live in a world of massive data breaches and fraudulent activity. With breaches at the IRS, NSA, the source code for Microsoft, Apple, etc, there is really no safe place realistically for digital information if it is on a computer that is turned on. By now, I’m sure all of our identifying information can be purchased on the dark web for a couple of bucks. However, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your family from some of the most painful outcomes from these security failures.

    1. Credit Freeze

Everyone, even your minor child, should institute a credit freeze at each of the 3 credit bureaus. This ensures that no one can open any lines of credit, credit cards, or other loans without your express permission. I can share with you the satisfaction I get from the rejection letters I get from time to time from creditors telling me that unfortunately, they can not issue the credit card (I didn’t apply for) since I have a credit freeze on file.  Below are links for each of the websites to freeze your credit:

https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html
https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/
https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze

    1. Identity Theft Protection Pin from the IRS

If you suspect that your identity has been stolen, or the identity of one of your dependents, you need to get an IP PIN from the IRS in order to file your tax return. You don’t have to suspect identity theft to sign up for an IP PIN. Having an IP PIN keeps someone else from filing a return with your identity or that of your spouse or dependents.

Your IP PIN will be valid for one calendar year and you will receive a new one in the mail, or through the IRS website, each year. This means if you are filing multiple years of taxes but all during the 2024 calendar year then you would use your 2024 IP PIN for all of those tax returns. You will need your current year’s IP PIN to successfully file your tax return so be sure to provide us with it when we are preparing your return so it is not rejected.

To obtain an IP PIN visit the link below:

https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin

    1. Signing up for an account at the Social Security Administration Website  

Even if you are not in the age range for collecting Social Security benefits, by signing up for an account with the Social Security Administration online, it means that no one else can.  Data Thieves have been known to sign up for online Social Security accounts and apply for benefits with stolen information.