Based on IRS data, nearly 3 million people have been victims of tax identity theft since 2010. Every year, criminals use increasingly advanced tactics — particularly geared toward taxpayers filing online — to steal taxpayers’ personal information, file fraudulent tax returns in their names and steal their refunds. After fraud occurs, it can take months and multiple steps by the victim to access a stolen refund and regain an identity with the IRS.

Protect your identity — and your refund — with these five tax tips from H&R Block:

1. File early and be cautious. Filing your taxes early will allow you to claim your refund before a criminal can. Before you file, protect your personal information by installing a security software with anti-virus and firewall protections.

2. Keep your paper records safe. Shred records you are no longer using and keep your social security card and any sensitive documents under lock and key.

3. Do not respond to individuals posing as a tax agency. The IRS does not demand immediate payment without sending a bill in the mail first. If you receive a phone call or an email with an external link, do not click on the link or share personal or financial information unless you personally know the person on the other end.

4. Change your password. The 2015 tax season saw a significant increase of tax fraud in the do-it-yourself (DIY) space. When using at-home tax software, such as H&R Block’s DIY products, create a strong password with capitalization, numbers, and symbols or avoid the risk by visiting a tax preparer.

5. Use tax identity protection services. Visit the IRS website to learn more about how to protect your identity. Additionally, H&R Block’s Tax Identity Shield provides clients with tools to reduce the risk of tax identity theft and resolution services, if a client becomes a victim of tax identity theft.

This tax season, take away the stress and put the “fun” back in “refund” by filing early. Plus, this year, you’ll have a chance to boost your refund — as an extra incentive, H&R Block is celebrating refund season by awarding $1,000 a day to 1,000 people. The first drawing for this limited time offer is Jan. 16. Visit hrblock.com/grand for rules and an alternate method of entry. Enter early to protect your refund and for more chances to win.

*BPT

The post 5 Tips to Protect your Identity and Celebrate Refund Season appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Spring break is around the corner.  It’s the perfect opportunity to take off with the entire family to escape and unwind at a faraway destination.  Simply put, get away from it all.   Or so you think!   Like a baby with a bottle, most of us don’t want to part with our phone, tablet or laptop.  Today’s family may want to leave town, but not their online life.  No matter where we are, most of us want to check email, update our Facebook page and text our BFF anytime, anywhere.  However, the need to remain connected could put your identity at risk.

Identity theft is a serious crime that does not discriminate, affecting both the young and old.  Your identity can be stolen with as little as one important piece of information.  All it takes is information such as a Social Security number, a driver’s license or a bank account statement to be accessed online by the wrong person for someone to become an identity theft victim.  In worst case scenarios, it can take victims years to realize their identity has been used illegally to open fraudulent credit cards, obtain loans, etc.,  furthering the damage to their credit, making prevention and awareness all the more important.

Unfortunately, taking a trip can dramatically increase the risk of having your identity stolen when relying on unsecure public Wi-Fi and overlooking measures you can take on and offline that can protect your family.  The good news is there are steps you can take to keep your identity safe and keep the good times rolling while on vacation.  Identity theft protection product Experian’s ProtectMyID suggests you implement the following tips:

• Control Your Wi-Fi: A portable router will allow you to create your own hotspot for your family’s devices and avoid using public Wi-Fi spots.  You’ll need a local SIM data card, which can be found at most electronic stores or even airport kiosks.
• Steer Clear of Hackers: If you must use public Wi-Fi, make sure you are logging into secured/private networks.   Otherwise, the consequences of using an unsecured Wi-Fi network opens the door to hackers gaining access to the networks which can lead them to your login details and any credit card information you may have entered into it.
• Limit Online Socializing:  Social media is a great way to highlight your trip to friends in real time however posting pictures or messages can alert someone that your home is vacant.  If you just can’t help yourself, make sure to set your privacy settings on your Facebook page to “friends only” to help control the number of people who actually see your pictures.   However, the best option is to delay posts until you are back home.  Other safeguards to put in place are to set your home alarm and/or hire a house sitter.
• Is that URL the Real Deal?: There are plenty of URL spoof sites out there, created for the sole purpose of stealing your information.  Since not all mobile browsers show the URL, it’s important to make sure the website is legitimate before logging onto it from your mobile device.  Make it a habit to bookmark your favorite sites after you type in the address.
• Guard your social networks. If you have a blog or social accounts, such as Facebook and Twitter, use the highest security settings possible.
• Use strong passwords. Use a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, symbols and punctuation to make your passwords harder to crack.
• Protect your mobile devices. Losing your mobile phone, a thumb drive or laptop can be just as bad as losing your wallet.  Be sure to protect your mobile devices with passwords and encryption. 
• Avoid skimming: If you have to use an ATM during your travels, be sure that it is in a secure location, and whenever possible, use one stationed at a bank branch. Fake ATM machines are known to have been placed in high traffic tourist areas. Shield your pin entry with your other hand to avoid shoulder surfers. Debit cards also provide thieves with a direct pipeline to your bank accounts. When used with a PIN, you need not sign for the purchase. When used for a “credit” purchase with a signature, no confirming PIN is needed. This is why debit cards are deemed valuable to thieves. It is also more difficult and time consuming to resolve fraudulent purchases made with debit cards than to resolve those made with credit cards.

It’s important to note that while these tips should be implemented while on vacation, they’re just as important to follow when you are out and about at home. 

As mobile devices continue to play a larger role in our everyday lives, our online activity continues to increase in public places like the local coffeehouse or shopping mall. Technology has made life more convenient in so many ways, but understanding and being well informed about the dangers that lurk out in cyberspace is vital to help keep your family’s identity private and safe.

About Becky Frost: Becky Frost is Senior Manager of Consumer Education for Experian Consumer Services, which offers credit monitoring products like ProtectMyID. Find Becky on Google Plus. 

The post Technology & Travel – Play It Safe While on the Road appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.