Platinum Tax Defenders Encourages Not To Fall Victim To Identity Theft

This summer, Platinum Tax Defenders is sharing tips for vacationers on how to avoid becoming victims of identity theft. Some of us have started planning early, making plans and booking flights since Christmas. As you leave for your summer journey, the top tax defenders team encourages you to be cautious of identity thieves. Travelers can be especially enticing targets for identity thieves. If you’re traveling to a place you’ve never been to before, you become even more attractive to identity thieves. When you’re traveling, you’re probably also using public Wi-Fi more often. Couple this with the fact that you’re carrying around more documentation than usual, and it’s a recipe for disaster.

As millions of people are packing their bags and leaving home for adventures, identity thieves are looking for opportunity. Reports show that identity theft affects nearly one in 10 travelers. Read on for tips from Platinum Tax Defenders on how to prevent falling victim to identity theft this summer.

Platinum Tax Defenders’ Tips for Preparing before Your Trip

Before you catch that plane, research some of the following information.

• Check the U.S. government’s Travel Advisories for your intended destination. It’s always smart to be aware of any crime occurring in the country in which you will be traveling. The more you know, the more watchful you can be.
• Only include your last name and phone number on your luggage tags. 
• Notify your bank and credit card companies about your travel plans. As a plus, you won’t suffer the inconvenience of the credit card companies freezing your account because of unusual activity abroad.
• Private any of your social media accounts while posting about your vacation. You don’t want to give a potential thief reason to visit your house when you’re not home.
• Unless you have someone checking it, put a hold on your mail when you’re gone. An overflowing mailbox could be a gold mine for an identity thief.

Tips To Follow While Traveling from Platinum Tax Defenders

• Always limit how much you use public Wi-Fi whenever possible. Public network connections are often unsecured. Never access your financial account or any other sites – Use cash whenever possible, and choose credit cards over debit cards. 

• Be careful when you use the ATM. Inspect the machine before you use it and take notice of who’s around you. Additionally, just like you do at home, shield the keypad when entering your pin.
• Lock up any valuables and personal documents at your hotel. Don’t leave boarding passes, confirmation emails, or jewelry laying around.
• Always keep your phone password-protected.

• Only keep the credit and debit cards you know you will use while traveling. There’s no reason to haul around your entire wallet, including your social security card.

Platinum Tax Defenders Encourages Travelers to Prevent Identity Theft Once They’re Home

After you’ve returned from your vacation, it doesn’t mean your identity theft-free. Here are some tips for what to do once you are home.

• Check your credit card and bank statements often for any malicious activity. If you catch fraud early, your bank can take action immediately.
• Continue to check your credit report throughout the year. Make sure you recognize all of the current credit in your name.
• Make sure to change your account PINs and passwords after your tip. If you logged into any accounts while traveling, or accessed an ATM, this is especially important. 
• Properly dispose of all trip details that include your personal information. You should shred boarding passes, confirmation emails, and other documents after your trip. 

Can Identity Theft Affect Taxes?

Tax-related identity theft happens when someone steals your Social Security number to file a tax return claiming a false refund. This fraud can likely go unnoticed until you discover your tax return no longer needs to be filed. If you’re a traveler who’s been a victim of identity theft, contact the top tax defenders today.

What are the warning signs of tax-related identity theft?

You may be a victim of tax-related identity theft if the IRS or your tax professional are contacting you regarding:

• There is more than one tax return filed under your name
• You owe additional back taxes or have had collection actions taken against you for a year you didn’t file a tax return.
• The IRS is claiming you got income from an employer for whom you didn’t work

What to do if you’ve become a victim of tax-related identity theft?

If you have become a victim of identity theft, the Federal Trade Commission recommends doing the following:

• File a complaint with the FTC
• Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a “fraud alert” on your record
• Get in touch with your financial institutions and close any credit accounts opened without your permission

However, if your Social Security Number is compromised, the IRS recommends taking the following steps:

• Respond to any IRS notices immediately
• Complete IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, if the IRS rejects your e-filed return because of a duplicate filing.

Identity theft can be a frustrating process for victims. If you become a victim, Platinum Tax 

Defenders is committed to resolving your case as quickly as possible.

Contact Platinum Tax Defenders for Help With Tax-Related Identity Theft

The experienced tax attorneys at Platinum Tax Defenders have years of experience helping clients resolve back tax issues. If you’re suffering from back tax issues as a result of identity theft, call Platinum Tax Defenders today. The experienced team of tax attorneys and x-IRS tax attorneys can help you resolve your identity theft issue with the IRS. Additionally, Platinum Tax Defenders can help you solve any potential back tax problems with the IRS as well. Platinum Tax Defenders is currently offering free consultations to new clients. The team at Platinum serves clients throughout the country, with two offices in California and one in Florida. Don’t let identity theft ruin your life. If back taxes are becoming a problem, contact Platinum Tax Defenders today. Our team of experts will help you navigate your back tax issue and get you to financial freedom.