If you believe you're a victim of identity theft, it's important to act quickly. Taking the right steps can help protect your tax account, your credit, and your financial information.
What Should I Do If I Am a Victim of Identity Theft?
Identity theft can affect more than your bank accounts. Someone may use your Social Security number to file a fraudulent tax return, open credit accounts, or report income under your name. If you suspect this has happened, follow the steps below as soon as possible.
1. Contact the IRS and Report the Identity Theft
Start by contacting the IRS to determine whether a tax return has been filed using your information without your permission. You should also file an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov.
If the IRS confirms a fraudulent return was filed, you'll generally need to:
- Verify your identity with the IRS.
- Complete and submit IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit.
- File a paper tax return for the affected tax year if instructed to do so by the IRS.
- Use an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) on future tax returns to help prevent additional tax-related identity theft.
An IP PIN is a six-digit number issued by the IRS that helps confirm you are the person filing your return.
2. Contact the Social Security Administration
Next, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to review activity associated with your Social Security number. The SSA may be able to help you identify wages, employers, or tax information reported under your name that you do not recognize.
Reviewing this information can help you discover the full extent of the identity theft and provide documentation for other agencies.
3. File a Police Report
Contact your local law enforcement agency and file an identity theft report.
When filing the report, bring any documents that support your claim, including:
- IRS notices
- Tax return information
- FTC identity theft reports
- Information received from the Social Security Administration
A police report may help when disputing fraudulent accounts or transactions with creditors and financial institutions.
4. Contact the Credit Bureaus
Notify the three major credit reporting agencies and consider requesting a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit file.
- Equifax: www.equifax.com | 800-525-6285
- Experian: www.experian.com | 888-397-3742
- TransUnion: www.transunion.com | 800-680-7289
Review your credit reports carefully for accounts, loans, or inquiries you don't recognize.
5. Contact Your Financial Institutions
Reach out to your banks, credit card companies, lenders, and other financial institutions immediately.
You may need to:
- Close compromised accounts
- Change account passwords and security questions
- Report unauthorized transactions
- Request replacement debit or credit cards
- Add additional security measures to your accounts
The sooner you notify your financial institutions, the better your chances of limiting potential financial losses.
What Happens Next?
Recovering from identity theft can take time, especially if your Social Security number or tax information was used fraudulently. Keep copies of all correspondence, reports, and documentation as you work with the IRS, credit bureaus, law enforcement, and financial institutions.
Staying organized and responding quickly can help resolve identity theft issues and reduce the risk of future problems.